Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The California Office of Traffic Safety received a Section 405(e) Distracted Driving Awareness Grant totaling $2,419,367.74 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) formula grant program, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029. This award supports California's implementation of comprehensive distracted driving countermeasure programs designed to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities resulting from distracted driving behaviors, particularly texting while driving and youth cell phone use while driving.

The funded activities support the development and execution of evidence-based distracted driving prevention strategies as outlined in California's approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Applications. Deliverables include public education campaigns, law enforcement training initiatives, driver licensing examination testing for distracted driving awareness, and coordination of distracted driving countermeasure strategies in partnership with local agencies and community organizations throughout California. Funding is distributed based on the state's demonstrated compliance with statutory requirements, including the enactment and enforcement of laws prohibiting texting while driving or youth cell phone use while driving. Grant expenditures are reimbursed through electronic fund transfer upon submission of documented claims covering eligible program costs.