Section 405(b) occupant protection grant (23 C.F.R. & 1300.21; 23 U.S.C. & 405(b)) - grant to support certain costs of state occupant protection programs consistent with 23 C.F.R. & 1300.21(f).

The Montana Department of Transportation received a $349,186 Formula Grant award from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support certain costs of the state's occupant protection programs under the National Priority Safety Programs federal grant program (CFDA 20.616). The funding will support the state's occupant protection efforts from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2026.

Under the award, sub-grants were provided to several local and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to conduct selective traffic enforcement programs and public education initiatives to promote seat belt usage. Sub-awardees included the cities of Helena and Missoula, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Flathead and Cascade Counties, Helena School District No. 1, and Missoula County. Additional sub-grants were provided to the Montana Department of Justice Highway Patrol Division to support traffic enforcement teams. The programs aim to reduce injuries and fatalities from lack of seat belt usage on Montana roads.