Summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Maryland Department of Transportation $2,870,733.70 under the Section 405(D) Impaired Driving Countermeasures Grant program (CFDA 20.616: National Priority Safety Programs) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This formula grant supports Maryland's implementation of evidence-based impaired driving countermeasures designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The funding enables the state highway safety office to develop and execute targeted countermeasure strategies through an approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and annual grant applications, with eligible uses including impaired driving enforcement and education programs, adoption and enforcement of mandatory alcohol-ignition interlock laws, and 24/7 sobriety initiatives.

Maryland will deploy these funds through the Office of Planning and Finance within the Transportation Department to implement planned projects that address impaired driving through coordinated problem identification, performance measurement, and public participation mechanisms. The state frequently partners with sub-recipients including other state agencies, local governments, universities, and nonprofit organizations to execute highway safety initiatives. Federal reimbursement is provided on a voucher basis for incurred costs, with funds distributed according to the statutory apportionment formula established under 23 U.S.C. § 405(d) and implementing regulations at 23 C.F.R. § 1300.23.