Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) Grant Program
🏛 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations seeking to develop innovative traffic safety enforcement programs. Applicants must create programs that reduce motor vehicle crashes caused by risky driving behaviors and demonstrate scalability across the United States. The program prioritizes projects aligned with DOT's mission and current administration priorities.
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Program description
The primary intent of this of the ITSE Grant Program is to 1) develop innovative traffic safety enforcement programs that demonstrate effectiveness by reducing the number of motor vehicle crashes due to one or more of the subject risky driving behaviors; and 2) ensure the traffic safety enforcement programs are repeatable and scalable for use by law enforcement throughout the United States. In addition to those goals, the Department seeks to fund projects that advance the priorities of this Administration as described in DOT’s mission statement and across executive orders.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evaluation Plan
- Letters of Support
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Anoko A Zankli Grantor
- 📧 anoko.zankli.ctr@dot.gov
- 📞 240-421-4046
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.614 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$60,279,637
-
$45,000,000
-
$17,500,000
-
$16,725,964
-
$13,215,214
-
$12,152,864
-
$11,705,000
-
$9,997,062
-
$8,018,300
-
$7,580,000
Top States by Funding
- DC 7 awards $77.0M
- CA 3 awards $66.6M
- VA 10 awards $29.6M
- MD 7 awards $21.8M
- OR 5 awards $18.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.614). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $34,503,118 | |
| 2025 | $214,088,710 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the ITSE grant?
Law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations at state, local, and tribal levels. Consortia involving multiple agencies are also eligible.
What types of projects are funded?
Programs addressing risky driving behaviors like speeding, impaired driving, or distracted driving. Projects must show innovation and potential for replication nationwide.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $500,000 to $20,000,000 depending on project scope and impact.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant, making it more accessible to smaller agencies.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 1, 2027. Check the federal register for any updates closer to the date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on innovation and measurable outcomes. Show how your program will reduce crashes in specific communities.
- Design for scalability from the start. Reviewers want programs that other jurisdictions can adopt and implement.
- Partner with research institutions or data analytics firms to strengthen your evaluation plan.
- Align your project with DOT priorities around road safety, equity, and sustainability.
- Budget conservatively and justify every expense. Large awards are competitive and scrutinized closely.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate how the program will be replicated or scaled beyond the initial jurisdiction. Proposing enforcement-only solutions without data collection or evaluation components. Insufficient detail on how the program specifically addresses risky driving behaviors like speeding or impaired driving.
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