Section 154 transfer program: open container (23 C.F.R. Part 1270; 23 U.S.C. § 154) ― penalty transfer funds to support alcohol and drug-impaired driving countermeasures in states that fail to enact…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Connecticut Department of Transportation $6,157,787 in formula grant funding on October 1, 2025, under the Alcohol Open Container Requirements program (CFDA 20.607). This is a penalty transfer award under Section 154 of 23 U.S.C., directed to support alcohol and drug-impaired driving countermeasures in states that fail to enact and enforce conforming open container laws. Connecticut must allocate a portion of its federal-aid highway funds to alcohol and drug-impaired driving countermeasures rather than retain them for highway construction and preservation.

The award funds behavioral highway safety programs addressing impaired driving prevention. Performance occurs in Newington, Connecticut, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. The Connecticut DOT, as the prime recipient, distributes formula grant funding to sub-recipients including municipalities and transit districts for eligible local transportation and safety projects. Records must be retained for three years following submission of the final expenditure report. Reimbursement follows the federal share model, with funds claimed through vouchers covering incurred costs and available for obligation until expended.

Section 154 transfer program: open container (23 C.F.R. Part 1270; 23 U.S.C. § 154) ― penalty transfer funds to support alcohol and drug-impaired driving countermeasures in states that fail to enact and enforce conforming open alcohol container laws. Under section 154, to avoid the transfer of funds, a state must enact and enforce an open container law that prohibits the possession of any open alcoholic beverage container, or the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, in the passenger area of any motor vehicle (including possession or consumption by the driver of the vehicle) located on a public highway, or the right-of-way of a public highway, in the state. 23 U.S.C. 154(B)(1)