Formula Grant 69A3752630000405EMDA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Maryland Department of Transportation $385,558.03 under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) formula grant, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This Section 405(E) Distracted Driving Awareness Grant supports Maryland's implementation of evidence-based countermeasure strategies and programs designed to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities resulting from distracted driving. The funding enables the state highway safety office to execute planned projects that address distracted driving prevention through activities consistent with Maryland's approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Application, which detail problem identification, performance measures, and public engagement strategies.

Eligible states receiving 405(E) funding must have enacted and enforced legislation prohibiting texting while driving or youth cell phone use while driving. The grant allows Maryland to develop and deliver distracted driving awareness initiatives, education campaigns, and enforcement programs through partnerships with state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit sub-recipients. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis for documented expenses submitted through vouchers and are intended to advance the state's traffic safety priorities identified in its strategic highway safety planning process, with NHTSA providing up to 60 days for review and approval of applications.