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 Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MN DPS) was awarded a $281,749.75 Formula Grant under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This grant supports the implementation of occupant protection programs, traffic safety information system improvements, and other evidence-based countermeasures to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Minnesota. The grant provides funding over a 4-year period from October 2023 through September 2027 to allow MN DPS to partner with local agencies and community organizations to deliver traffic safety services and public education campaigns across the state. As the state's lead agency for highway safety, MN DPS will leverage this federal funding to enhance data systems, provide law enforcement training, and implement proven strategies to increase seat belt use and address impaired and distracted driving.

Section 405(b) funding is available to qualifying states that meet statutory requirements for a high or low seat belt use categories. These funds are apportioned using statutory apportionment formula. These funds are provided to the state and territorial highway safety offices based on an approved triennial highway safety plan that details problem identification, public participation and engagement, performance measures, countermeasure strategies for programming funds and an approved annual grant application that details planned projects using identified countermeasure strategies for programming funds to help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes.