Data Dictionary for Traffic Record Systems
ANSI D20 UPDATE
The 2003 ANSI D20 has just been completed and published.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this American National Standard is to provide a common set of coding instructions for data elements related to highway safety, driver licensing, and vehicle registration. The first edition of the Data Element Dictionary for Traffic Records Systems was published by AAMVA in 1979. In the second edition, many data elements were updated for greater compatibility with operating data systems. The third edition, ANSI D20-1998, was unique in that an effort to synchronize D20 with the AAMVA data repository was attempted. The AAMVA repository was developed using the different AAMVAnet Electronic Data Interchange applications used by the AAMVA community on a national basis.
The Fourth Edition of D20, like the first three, is designed to facilitate continued coordination among data system developers. It is not intended or anticipated that any single user will incorporate all of the elements listed in this dictionary into a single system. However, for both new systems and for system modification, developers are encouraged to use data elements in D20 whenever possible.
Compatibility with the D20 does require conformity. If more detail is required by some users than elements in D20, it is often possible to design codes in a manner that permits downward compatibility, conversion to the format given in the D20. However, users should use at least the level of detail given in the D20 to maximize compatibility among systems operated by different agencies and organizations.
ANSI D20 is the product of a dynamic environment and it is expected that improvements to D20 may be necessary on a regular basis. For this reason AAMVA applied for authority through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to maintain D20 through the "continuous maintenance" method. Revisions to the Standard will include the following:
- Deletion of existing data element(s)
- Modification of existing data element(s)
- Addition of new data element(s)
Revisions of the dictionary follow procedures established by ANSI to promote the development of voluntary standards through consensus. Suggestions for improvement of the D20 are welcome. They should be sent to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, Virginia 22203, attn: Rich Carter, Vice President, Identification Technology and Standards.