Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles received a Section 405(b) Occupant Protection Grant of $342,693.50 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This formula grant supports the state's occupant protection program by funding initiatives designed to increase seat belt use and reduce motor vehicle crash-related injuries and fatalities. The award is available to qualifying states meeting statutory requirements for high or low seat belt use categories and requires an approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Application detailing problem identification, performance measures, and evidence-based countermeasure strategies.

Under this award, the Virginia DMV's Grants Management Division will implement comprehensive occupant protection programs aligned with the countermeasure strategies outlined in its approved grant applications. The funding supports behavioral highway safety interventions, public education campaigns, and law enforcement training initiatives designed to increase occupant protection compliance and reduce crash-related deaths and injuries across Virginia. The state will utilize funds on a reimbursement basis through electronic transfer of funds, with all project documentation and financial records maintained for three years following final expenditure reporting and resolution of any audit findings.