National Priority Safety Programs

CFDA 20.616 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$382.8M FY2026
$368.4M
FY24
$375.3M
FY25
$382.8M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 States participated in Click it or Ticket high visibility enforcement campaign, and Child Passenger Safety Week and Seat Check Saturday with press events and seat checks. States also provided funds for programs to combat distracted driving and reduce the incidence of impaired driving crashes. Distracted driving presentations and outreach to students and parents/guardians with a video showing the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving or failure to buckle up, followed by an opportunity to see what can happen in a crash caused by driving distracted. Holiday Safety public service announcements were developed to be used during the Thanksgiving holidays through New Year's. In addition, back to school drive safety spots were developed for a media buy. TIPS training for underage alcohol compliance checks at establishments that sell alcohol. Provide funds for motorcycle rider training courses.

Program Objective

The formula grant program is designed to encourage States to address national highway safety priorities to improve traffic safety for travelers using public roadways for areas identified by Congress which includes —Occupant Protection, State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements, Impaired Driving Countermeasures, Distracted Driving, Motorcyclist Safety, Nonmotorized Safety, Preventing Roadside Deaths, and Driver and Officer Safety Education.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. State Government
  • U.S. Territory Government

With the exception of the Motorcyclist Safety Program, the 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, and Virgin Islands) are eligible for funding. Under the Motorcyclist Safety Program, the 50 States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are eligible for grant awards.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Applications are reviewed by subject matter experts to determine if the State meets the specified eligibility requirements. After being informed that the State has been approved for grant award, the State submits to the agency a plan that describes the programs the State will implement using the funds. NHTSA notifies the Governor in a letter that the State has met the requirements for a Section 405 grant award. Federal share is reimbursed on claims submitted in vouchers covering costs incurred. All participants have converted to the Electronic Transfer of Funds method.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 30 to 60 days

NHTSA is provided up to 60 days to review and approve Triennial Highway Safety Plans and Annual Grant Applications.

Program details & compliance

Description

The formula grant program is designed to encourage States to address national highway safety priorities to improve traffic safety for travelers using public roadways for areas identified by Congress which includes —Occupant Protection, State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements, Impaired Driving Countermeasures, Distracted Driving, Motorcyclist Safety, Nonmotorized Safety, Preventing Roadside Deaths, and Driver and Officer Safety Education.

Mission Categories

Primary: Highways, Public Roads, and Bridges

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funding can be used to address national highway safety priority programs to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries.

Required Documentation

A State submits certification and application materials that meet eligibility requirements. After being informed by NHTSA that it is eligible for a grant, the State submits to the agency a plan that describes the programs the State will implement using the funds.

Matching Requirements

For all program under Section 405, the Federal share of the costs of the activities funded using amounts from grants awarded under this subsection may not exceed 80 percent for each fiscal year for which a State receives a grant.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Barbara Sauers — Associate Administrator, Regional Operations and Program Deliver
(202) 366 0144
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., NRO-010, Washington, DC 20590
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-12-02. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:35:26.