Highway safety programs
Program Required.—
In general.—
Each State shall have in effect a highway safety program that—
is designed to reduce—
traffic crashes; and
deaths, injuries, and property damage resulting from those crashes;
includes—
an approved, current, triennial highway safety plan in accordance with subsection (k); and
an approved grant application under subsection (l) for the fiscal year;
demonstrates compliance with the applicable administrative requirements of subsection (b)(1); and
is approved by the Secretary.
Uniform guidelines.—
Programs required under paragraph (1) shall comply with uniform guidelines, promulgated by the Secretary and expressed in terms of performance criteria, that—
include programs—
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicles being driven in excess of posted speed limits;
to encourage the proper use of safety belts by occupants of motor vehicles;
to encourage more widespread and proper use of child restraints, with an emphasis on underserved populations;
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from persons driving motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance;
to prevent crashes and reduce injuries and deaths resulting from crashes involving motor vehicles and motorcycles;
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from crashes involving school buses;
to reduce crashes resulting from unsafe driving behavior (including aggressive or fatigued driving and distracted driving arising from the use of electronic devices in vehicles);
to improve law enforcement services in motor vehicle crash prevention, traffic supervision, and post-crash procedures;
to increase driver awareness of commercial motor vehicles to prevent crashes and reduce injuries and fatalities;
to reduce crashes caused by driver misuse or misunderstanding of new vehicle technology;
to increase vehicle recall awareness;
to provide to the public information relating to the risks of child heatstroke death when left unattended in a motor vehicle after the motor is deactivated by the operator;
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from the failure by drivers of motor vehicles to move to another traffic lane or reduce the speed of the vehicle when law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, or other emergency or first responder vehicles are stopped or parked on or next to a roadway with emergency lights activated; and
to prevent crashes, injuries, and deaths caused by unsecured vehicle loads;
improve driver performance, including—
driver education;
driver testing to determine proficiency to operate motor vehicles; and
driver examinations (physical, mental, and driver licensing);
improve pedestrian performance and bicycle safety;
include provisions for—
an effective record system of crashes (including resulting injuries and deaths);
crash investigations to determine the probable causes of crashes, injuries, and deaths;
vehicle registration, operation, and inspection; and
emergency services; and
to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, are applicable to federally administered areas where a Federal department or agency controls the highways or supervises traffic operations.
Additional considerations.—
A State that has legalized medicinal or recreational marijuana shall take into consideration implementing programs in addition to the programs described in paragraph (2)(A)—
to educate drivers regarding the risks associated with marijuana-impaired driving; and
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from individuals driving motor vehicles while impaired by marijuana.
Administration of State Programs.—
Administrative requirements.—
The Secretary shall not approve a State highway safety program under this section which does not—
provide that the Governor of the State shall be responsible for the administration of the program through a State highway safety agency which shall have adequate powers and be suitably equipped and organized to carry out, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, such program;
provide for a comprehensive, data-driven traffic safety program that results from meaningful public participation and engagement from affected communities, particularly those most significantly impacted by traffic crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities;
except as provided in paragraph (2), provide that at least 40 percent of all Federal funds apportioned under this section to the State for any fiscal year will be expended by the political subdivisions of the State, including Indian tribal governments, in carrying out local highway safety programs;
provide adequate and reasonable access for the safe and convenient movement of individuals, including those with disabilities and those in wheelchairs, across curbs constructed or replaced on or after
as part of a comprehensive program, support—
data-driven traffic safety enforcement programs that foster effective community collaboration to increase public safety; and
data collection and analysis to ensure transparency, identify disparities in traffic enforcement, and inform traffic enforcement policies, procedures, and activities; and
provide satisfactory assurances that the State will implement activities in support of national highway safety goals to reduce motor vehicle related fatalities that also reflect the primary data-related crash factors within a State as identified by the State highway safety planning process, including—
national, high-visibility law enforcement mobilizations coordinated by the Secretary;
sustained enforcement of statutes addressing impaired driving, occupant protection, and driving in excess of posted speed limits;
an annual statewide safety belt use survey in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary for the measurement of State safety belt use rates to ensure that the measurements are accurate and representative;
development of statewide data systems to provide timely and effective data analysis to support allocation of highway safety resources;
ensuring that the State will coordinate its highway safety plan, data collection, and information systems with the State strategic highway safety plan (as defined in section 148(a)); and
unless the State highway safety program is developed by American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the United States Virgin Islands, participation in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Waiver.—
The Secretary may waive the requirement of paragraph (1)(C), in whole or in part, for a fiscal year for any State whenever the Secretary determines that there is an insufficient number of local highway safety programs to justify the expenditure in the State of such percentage of Federal funds during the fiscal year.
Use of Funds.—
Use for state activities.—
In general.—
The funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section shall be used to aid the States to conduct the highway safety programs approved in accordance with subsection (a), including development and implementation of manpower training programs, and of demonstration programs that the Secretary determines will contribute directly to the reduction of crashes, and deaths and injuries resulting therefrom.
Neighboring states.—
A State, acting in cooperation with any neighboring State, may use funds provided under this section for a highway safety program that may confer a benefit on the neighboring State.
Apportionment to states.—
Definition of public road.—
In this paragraph, the term “public road” means any road that is—
subject to the jurisdiction of, and maintained by, a public authority; and
held open to public travel.
Apportionment.—
In general.—
Except for the amounts identified in section 403(f) and the amounts subject to subparagraph (C), of the funds made available under this section—
75 percent shall be apportioned to each State based on the ratio that, as determined by the most recent decennial census—
the population of the State; bears to
the total population of all States; and
25 percent shall be apportioned to each State based on the ratio that, subject to clause (ii)—
the public road mileage in each State; bears to
the total public road mileage in all States.
Calculation.—
For purposes of clause (i)(II), public road mileage shall be—
determined as of the end of the calendar year preceding the year during which the funds are apportioned;
certified by the Governor of the State; and
subject to approval by the Secretary.
Minimum apportionments.—
The annual apportionment under this section to—
each State shall be not less than ¾ of 1 percent of the total apportionment;
the Secretary of the Interior shall be not less than 2 percent of the total apportionment; and
the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be not less than ¼ of 1 percent of the total apportionment.
Penalty.—
In general.—
The funds apportioned under this section to a State that does not have approved or in effect a highway safety program described in subsection (a)(1) shall be reduced by an amount equal to not less than 20 percent of the amount that would otherwise be apportioned to the State under this section, until the date on which the Secretary, as applicable—
approves such a highway safety program; or
determines that the State is implementing such a program.
Factor for consideration.—
In determining the amount of the reduction in funds apportioned to a State under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall take into consideration the gravity of the failure by the State to secure approval, or to implement, a highway safety program described in subsection (a)(1).
Limitations.—
In general.—
A highway safety program approved by the Secretary shall not include any requirement that a State shall implement such a program by adopting or enforcing any law, rule, or regulation based on a guideline promulgated by the Secretary under this section requiring any motorcycle operator aged 18 years or older, or a motorcycle passenger aged 18 years or older, to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle on the streets and highways of that State.
Effect of guidelines.—
Nothing in this section requires a State highway safety program to require compliance with every uniform guideline, or with every element of every uniform guideline, in every State.
Reapportionment.—
In general.—
The Secretary shall promptly apportion to a State any funds withheld from the State under paragraph (2)(D) if the Secretary makes an approval or determination, as applicable, described in that paragraph by not later than July 31 of the fiscal year for which the funds were withheld.
Continuing state failure.—
If the Secretary determines that a State fails to correct a failure to have approved or in effect a highway safety program described in subsection (a)(1) by the date described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall reapportion the funds withheld from that State under paragraph (2)(D) for the fiscal year to the other States in accordance with the formula described in paragraph (2)(B) by not later than the last day of the fiscal year.
Automated traffic enforcement systems.—
Automated traffic enforcement system defined.—
In this paragraph, the term “automated traffic enforcement system” means any camera which captures an image of a vehicle for the purposes only of red light and speed enforcement, and does not include hand held radar and other devices operated by law enforcement officers to make an on-the-scene traffic stop, issue a traffic citation, or other enforcement action at the time of the violation.
Prohibition.—
A State may not expend funds apportioned to that State under this section to carry out a program to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system.
Special rule for school and work zones.—
Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), a State may expend funds apportioned to the State under this section to carry out a program to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system in a work zone or school zone.
Automated traffic enforcement system guidelines.—
An automated traffic enforcement system installed pursuant to subparagraph (C) shall comply with such guidelines applicable to speed enforcement camera systems and red light camera systems as are established by the Secretary.
All provisions of chapter 1 of this title that are applicable to National Highway System highway funds other than provisions relating to the apportionment formula and provisions limiting the expenditure of such funds to the Federal-aid systems, shall apply to the highway safety funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, except as determined by the Secretary to be inconsistent with this section, and except that the aggregate of all expenditures made during any fiscal year by a State and its political subdivisions (exclusive of Federal funds) for carrying out the State highway safety program (other than planning and administration) shall be available for the purpose of crediting such State during such fiscal year for the non-Federal share of the cost of any project under this section (other than one for planning or administration) without regard to whether such expenditures were actually made in connection with such project and except that, in the case of a local highway safety program carried out by an Indian tribe, if the Secretary is satisfied that an Indian tribe does not have sufficient funds available to meet the non-Federal share of the cost of such program, he may increase the Federal share of the cost thereof payable under this Act to the extent necessary. In applying such provisions of chapter 1 in carrying out this section the term “State transportation department” as used in such provisions shall mean the Governor of a State for the purposes of this section.
Uniform guidelines promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this section shall be developed in cooperation with the States, their political subdivisions, appropriate Federal departments and agencies, and such other public and private organizations as the Secretary deems appropriate.
The Secretary may make arrangements with other Federal departments and agencies for assistance in the preparation of uniform guidelines for the highway safety programs contemplated by subsection (a) and in the administration of such programs. Such departments and agencies are directed to cooperate in such preparation and administration, on a reimbursable basis.
Restriction.—
Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the appropriation or expenditure of funds for highway construction, maintenance, or design (other than design of safety features of highways to be incorporated into guidelines).
Application in Indian Country.—
Use of terms.—
For the purpose of application of this section in Indian country, the terms “State” and “Governor of a State” include the Secretary of the Interior and the term “political subdivision of a State” includes an Indian tribe.
Expenditures for local highway programs.—
Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1)(C), 95 percent of the funds apportioned to the Secretary of the Interior under this section shall be expended by Indian tribes to carry out highway safety programs within their jurisdictions.
Access for individuals with disabilities.—
The requirements of subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be applicable to Indian tribes, except to those tribes with respect to which the Secretary determines that application of such provisions would not be practicable.
Indian country defined.—
In this subsection, the term “Indian country” means—
all land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States, notwithstanding the issuance of any patent and including rights-of-way running through the reservation;
all dependent Indian communities within the borders of the United States, whether within the original or subsequently acquired territory thereof and whether within or without the limits of a State; and
all Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including rights-of-way running through such allotments.
Rulemaking Proceeding.—
The Secretary may periodically conduct a rulemaking process to identify highway safety programs that are highly effective in reducing motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. Any such rulemaking shall take into account the major role of the States in implementing such programs. When a rule promulgated in accordance with this section takes effect, States shall consider these highly effective programs when developing their highway safety programs.
Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Training.—
A State shall actively encourage all relevant law enforcement agencies in such State to follow the guidelines established for vehicular pursuits issued by the International Association of Chiefs of Police that are in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection or as revised and in effect after such date as determined by the Secretary.
Triennial Highway Safety Plan.—
In general.—
For fiscal year 2024, and not less frequently than once every 3 fiscal years thereafter, the Secretary shall require each State, as a condition of the approval of the State’s highway safety program for the 3 fiscal years covered by the plan, to develop and submit to the Secretary for approval a triennial highway safety plan that complies with the requirements under this subsection.
Timing.—
Each State shall submit to the Secretary a triennial highway safety plan by not later than July 1 of the fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year covered by the plan.
Electronic submission.—
The Secretary, in coordination with the Governors Highway Safety Association, shall develop procedures to allow States to submit triennial highway safety plans under this subsection, including any attachments to the plans, in electronic form.
Contents.—
Each State triennial highway safety plan submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the 3 fiscal years covered by the plan, based on the information available on the date of submission under paragraph (2)—
performance measures required by the Secretary or otherwise necessary to support additional State safety goals, including—
documentation of current safety levels for each performance measure;
quantifiable performance targets that demonstrate constant or improved performance for each performance measure; and
a justification for each performance target, that explains why each target is appropriate and evidence-based;
a countermeasure strategy for programming funds under this section for projects that will allow the State to meet the performance targets described in subparagraph (A), including a description—
that demonstrates the link between the effectiveness of each proposed countermeasure strategy and those performance targets; and
of the manner in which each countermeasure strategy is informed by uniform guidelines issued by the Secretary;
data and data analysis supporting the effectiveness of proposed countermeasures;
a description of any Federal funds that the State plans to use, in addition to funds apportioned to the State under this section, to carry out the strategy described in subparagraph (B); and
a report on the State’s success in meeting State safety goals and performance targets set forth in the most recently submitted highway safety plan.
Performance measures.—
The Secretary shall develop minimum performance measures under paragraph (4)(A) in consultation with the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Review of triennial highway safety plans.—
In general.—
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove a triennial highway safety plan of a State by not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan is received by the Secretary.
Additional information.—
In general.—
The Secretary may request a State to submit to the Secretary such additional information as the Secretary determines to be necessary for review of the triennial highway safety plan of the State.
Extension of deadline.—
On providing to a State a request for additional information under clause (i), the Secretary may extend the deadline to approve or disapprove the triennial highway safety plan of the State under subparagraph (A) for not more than an additional 90 days, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to accommodate that request, subject to clause (iii).
Timing.—
Any additional information requested under clause (i) shall be submitted to the Secretary by not later than 7 business days after the date of receipt by the State of the request.
Approvals and disapprovals.—
Approvals.—
The Secretary shall approve a State’s triennial highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that—
the plan and the performance targets contained in the plan are evidence-based and supported by data; and
the plan, once implemented, will allow the State to meet the State’s performance targets.
Disapprovals.—
The Secretary shall disapprove a State’s triennial highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that—
the plan and the performance targets contained in the plan are not evidence-based or supported by data; or
the plan does not provide for programming of funding in a manner sufficient to allow the State to meet the State’s performance targets.
Actions upon disapproval.—
If the Secretary disapproves a State’s triennial highway safety plan, the Secretary shall—
inform the State of the reasons for such disapproval; and
require the State to resubmit the plan with any modifications that the Secretary determines to be necessary.
Review of resubmitted plans.—
If the Secretary requires a State to resubmit a triennial highway safety plan, with modifications, the Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove the modified plan not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives such plan.
Public notice.—
A State shall make the State’s triennial highway safety plan, and decisions of the Secretary concerning approval or disapproval of a revised plan, available to the public.
Annual Grant Application and Reporting Requirements.—
Annual grant application.—
In general.—
To be eligible to receive grant funds under this chapter for a fiscal year, each State shall submit to the Secretary an annual grant application that, as determined by the Secretary—
demonstrates alignment with the approved triennial highway safety plan of the State; and
complies with the requirements under this subsection.
Timing.—
The deadline for submission of annual grant applications under this paragraph shall be determined by the Secretary in accordance with section 406(d)(2).
Contents.—
An annual grant application under this paragraph shall include, at a minimum—
such updates, as necessary, to any analysis included in the triennial highway safety plan of the State;
an identification of each project and subrecipient to be funded by the State using the grants during the upcoming grant year, subject to the condition that the State shall separately submit, on a date other than the date of submission of the annual grant application, a description of any projects or subrecipients to be funded, as that information becomes available;
a description of the means by which the strategy of the State to use grant funds was adjusted and informed by the previous report of the State under paragraph (2); and
an application for any additional grants available to the State under this chapter.
Review.—
The Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove an annual grant application under this paragraph by not later than 60 days after the date of submission of the application.
Reporting requirements.—
Not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year for which a grant is provided to a State under this chapter, the State shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that includes—
an assessment of the progress made by the State in achieving the performance targets identified in the triennial highway safety plan of the State, based on the most currently available Fatality Analysis Reporting System data; and
a description of the extent to which progress made in achieving those performance targets is aligned with the triennial highway safety plan of the State; and
if applicable, any plans of the State to adjust a strategy for programming funds to achieve the performance targets.
Teen Traffic Safety.—
In general.—
Subject to the requirements of the applicable triennial highway safety plan of the State, as approved by the Secretary under subsection (k), a State may use a portion of the amounts received under this section to implement statewide efforts to improve traffic safety for teen drivers.
Use of funds.—
Statewide efforts under paragraph (1)—
shall include peer-to-peer education and prevention strategies in schools and communities designed to—
increase safety belt use;
reduce speeding;
reduce impaired and distracted driving;
reduce underage drinking; and
reduce other behaviors by teen drivers that lead to injuries and fatalities; and
may include—
working with student-led groups and school advisors to plan and implement teen traffic safety programs;
providing subgrants to schools throughout the State to support the establishment and expansion of student groups focused on teen traffic safety;
providing support, training, and technical assistance to establish and expand school and community safety programs for teen drivers;
creating statewide or regional websites to publicize and circulate information on teen safety programs;
conducting outreach and providing educational resources for parents;
establishing State or regional advisory councils comprised of teen drivers to provide input and recommendations to the governor and the governor’s safety representative on issues related to the safety of teen drivers;
collaborating with law enforcement;
establishing partnerships and promoting coordination among community stakeholders, including public, not-for-profit, and for profit entities;
increase driver awareness of commercial motor vehicles to prevent crashes and reduce injuries and fatalities; and
support for school-based driver’s education classes to improve teen knowledge about—
safe driving practices; and
State graduated driving license requirements, including behind-the-wheel training required to meet those requirements.
Public Transparency.—
In general.—
The Secretary shall publicly release on a Department of Transportation website, by not later than 45 calendar days after the applicable date of availability—
each triennial highway safety plan approved by the Secretary under subsection (k);
each State performance target under subsection (k); and
an evaluation of State achievement of applicable performance targets under subsection (k).
State highway safety plan website.—
In general.—
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish a public website that is easily accessible, navigable, and searchable for the information required under that paragraph, in order to foster greater transparency in approved State highway safety programs.
Contents.—
The website established under subparagraph (A) shall—
include the applicable triennial highway safety plan, and the annual report, of each State submitted to, and approved by, the Secretary under subsection (k); and
provide a means for the public to search the website for State highway safety program content required under subsection (k), including—
performance measures required by the Secretary;
progress made toward meeting the applicable performance targets during the preceding program year;
program areas and expenditures; and
a description of any sources of funds, other than funds provided under this section, that the State proposes to use to carry out the triennial highway safety plan of the State.
Unattended Passengers.—
In general.—
Each State shall use a portion of the amounts received by the State under this section to carry out a program to educate the public regarding the risks of leaving a child or unattended passenger in a vehicle after the vehicle motor is deactivated by the operator.
Program placement.—
Nothing in this subsection requires a State to carry out a program described in paragraph (1) through the State transportation or highway safety office.
Source
(Added Pub. L. 89–564, title I, § 101,Notes
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Amendments
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Effective Date of 2012 Amendment
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Effective Date of 2005 Amendment
Effective Date of 1991 Amendment
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Public Safety Messaging Campaign
In general.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [
to highlight the importance of addressing the illegal passing of school buses; and
to educate students and the public regarding the safe loading and unloading of schools [sic] buses.
Consultation.—
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with—
representatives of the school bus industry from the public and private sectors; and
States.
Updates.—
The Secretary shall periodically update the materials used in the campaign under paragraph (1).”
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
Definitions.—
In this section:
Comprehensive safety action plan.—
The term ‘comprehensive safety action plan’ means a plan aimed at preventing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries in a locality, commonly referred to as a ‘Vision Zero’ or ‘Toward Zero Deaths’ plan, that may include—
a goal and timeline for eliminating fatalities and serious injuries;
an analysis of the location and severity of vehicle-involved crashes in a locality;
an analysis of community input, gathered through public outreach and education;
a data-driven approach to identify projects or strategies to prevent fatalities and serious injuries in a locality, such as those involving—
education and community outreach;
effective methods to enforce traffic laws and regulations;
new vehicle or other transportation-related technologies; and
roadway planning and design; and
mechanisms for evaluating the outcomes and effectiveness of the comprehensive safety action plan, including the means by which that effectiveness will be reported to residents in a locality.
Eligible entity.—
The term ‘eligible entity’ means—
a metropolitan planning organization;
a political subdivision of a State;
a federally recognized Tribal government; and
a multijurisdictional group of entities described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (C).
Eligible project.—
The term ‘eligible project’ means a project—
to develop a comprehensive safety action plan;
to conduct planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in a comprehensive safety action plan; or
to carry out projects and strategies identified in a comprehensive safety action plan.
Program.—
The term ‘program’ means the Safe Streets and Roads for All program established under subsection (b).
Establishment.—
The Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, that supports local initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets, commonly referred to as ‘Vision Zero’ or ‘Toward Zero Deaths’ initiatives.
Grants.—
In general.—
In carrying out the program, the Secretary may make grants to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, in accordance with this section.
Limitations.—
In general.—
Not more than 15 percent of the funds made available to carry out the program for a fiscal year may be awarded to eligible projects in a single State during that fiscal year.
Planning grants.—
Of the total amount made available to carry out the program for each fiscal year, not less than 40 percent shall be awarded to eligible projects described in subsection (a)(3)(A).
Selection of Eligible Projects.—
Solicitation.—
Not later than 180 days after the date on which amounts are made available to provide grants under the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall solicit from eligible entities grant applications for eligible projects in accordance with this section.
Applications.—
In general.—
To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such information as the Secretary considers to be appropriate.
Requirement.—
An application for a grant under this paragraph shall include mechanisms for evaluating the success of applicable eligible projects and strategies.
Considerations.—
In awarding a grant under the program, the Secretary shall take into consideration the extent to which an eligible entity, and each eligible project proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity, as applicable—
is likely to significantly reduce or eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries involving various road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, and commercial operators, within the timeframe proposed by the eligible entity;
demonstrates engagement with a variety of public and private stakeholders;
seeks to adopt innovative technologies or strategies to promote safety;
employs low-cost, high-impact strategies that can improve safety over a wider geographical area;
ensures, or will ensure, equitable investment in the safety needs of underserved communities in preventing transportation-related fatalities and injuries;
includes evidence-based projects or strategies; and
achieves such other conditions as the Secretary considers to be necessary.
Transparency.—
In general.—
The Secretary shall evaluate, through a methodology that is discernible and transparent to the public, the means by, and extent to, which each application under the program addresses any applicable merit criteria established by the Secretary.
Publication.—
The methodology under subparagraph (A) shall be published by the Secretary as part of the notice of funding opportunity under the program.
Federal Share.—
The Federal share of the cost of an eligible project carried out using a grant provided under the program shall not exceed 80 percent.
Funding.—
Authorization of appropriations.—
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available for a period of 3 fiscal years following the fiscal year for which the amounts are appropriated.
Administrative expenses.—
Of the amounts made available to carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary may retain not more than 2 percent for the administrative expenses of the program.
Availability to eligible entities.—
Amounts made available under a grant under the program shall remain available for use by the applicable eligible entity until the date that is 5 years after the date on which the grant is provided.
Data Submission.—
In general.—
As a condition of receiving a grant under this program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary, on a regular basis as established by the Secretary, data, information, or analyses collected or conducted in accordance with subsection (d)(3).
Form.—
The data, information, and analyses under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in such form such manner as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
Reports.—
Not later than 120 days after the end of the period of performance for a grant under the program, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes—
the costs of each eligible project carried out using the grant;
the outcomes and benefits that each such eligible project has generated, as—
identified in the grant application of the eligible entity; and
measured by data, to the maximum extent practicable; and
the lessons learned and any recommendations relating to future projects or strategies to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets.
Best Practices.—
Based on the information submitted by eligible entities under subsection (g), the Secretary shall—
periodically post on a publicly available website best practices and lessons learned for preventing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries pursuant to strategies or interventions implemented under the program; and
evaluate and incorporate, as appropriate, the effectiveness of strategies and interventions implemented under the program for the purpose of enriching revisions to the document entitled ‘Countermeasures That Work: A Highway Safety Countermeasure Guide for State Highway Safety Offices, Ninth Edition’ and numbered DOT HS 812 478 (or any successor document).”
Pedestrian and Cyclists Information and Enhanced Performance Management
In general.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [
carrying out measures to collect information relating to the range of countermeasures implemented by States;
analyzing that information to help advance knowledge regarding the effectiveness of those countermeasures; and
sharing with States any results.
Performance management practices.—
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall use performance management practices to guide pedestrian and cyclist safety activities by—
developing performance measures for the Administration and program offices responsible for implementing pedestrian and cyclist safety activities to demonstrate the means by which those activities contribute to safety goals; and
using performance information to make any necessary changes to advance pedestrian and cyclist safety efforts.”
Increasing Public Awareness of the Dangers of Drug-Impaired Driving
Additional Actions.—
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in consultation with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, State highway safety offices, and other interested parties, as determined by the Administrator, shall identify and carry out additional actions that should be undertaken by the Administration to assist States in their efforts to increase public awareness of the dangers of drug-impaired driving, including the dangers of driving while under the influence of heroin or prescription opioids.
Report.—
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [
Regulatory Authority; State Matching Requirements; Grant Application and Deadline
Regulatory Authority.—
Grants awarded under this title [title IV of div. A of Pub. L. 114–94, see Tables for classification] shall be carried out in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary [of Transportation].
State Matching Requirements.—
If a grant awarded under chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, requires a State to share in the cost, the aggregate of all expenditures for highway safety activities made during a fiscal year by the State and its political subdivisions (exclusive of Federal funds) for carrying out the grant (other than planning and administration) shall be available for the purpose of crediting the State during such fiscal year for the non-Federal share of the cost of any other project carried out under chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code (other than planning or administration), without regard to whether such expenditures were made in connection with such project.
Grant Application and Deadline.—
To receive a grant under chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, a State shall submit an application, and the Secretary shall establish a single deadline for such applications to enable the award of grants early in the next fiscal year.”
Safe Routes to School Program
Roadway Safety
Road Safety.—
In general.—
The Secretary [of Transportation] shall enter into an agreement to assist in the activities of a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated solely to improving public road safety—
by improving the quality of data pertaining to public road hazards and design features that affect or increase the severity of motor vehicle crashes;
by developing and carrying out a public awareness campaign to educate State and local transportation officials, public safety officials, and motorists regarding the extent to which public road hazards and design features are a factor in motor vehicle crashes; and
by promoting public road safety research and technology transfer activities.
Funding.—
There is authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 to carry out this subsection.
Applicability of title 23.—
Funds made available by this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the funds shall remain available until expended.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grants.—
In general.—
The Secretary [of Transportation] shall make grants to a national, not-for-profit organization engaged in promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety—
to operate a national bicycle and pedestrian clearinghouse;
to develop information and educational programs; and
to disseminate techniques and strategies for improving bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Funding.—
There is authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) $300,000 for fiscal year 2005 and $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 to carry out this subsection.
Applicability of title 23.—
Funds made available by this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the funds shall remain available until expended.”
Grant Program To Prohibit Racial Profiling
Grants.—
Subject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary [of Transportation] shall make grants to a State that—
is maintaining and allows public inspection of statistical information for each motor vehicle stop made by a law enforcement officer on a Federal-aid highway in the State regarding the race and ethnicity of the driver; or
provides assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the State is undertaking activities to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1).
Use of Grant Funds.—
A grant received by a State under subsection (a) shall be used by the State for the costs of—
collecting and maintaining data on traffic stops;
evaluating the results of the data; and
developing and implementing programs, public outreach, and training to reduce the impact of traffic stops described in subsection (a)(1).
Maximum Amount.—
The total amount provided to a State under this section in any fiscal year may not exceed—
for a State described in subsection (a)(1), 10 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in that fiscal year; and
for a State described in subsection (a)(2), 5 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in that fiscal year.
Funding.—
In general.—
From funds made available under section 403 of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall set aside $11,500,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this section.
Contract authority.—
Funds made available under this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except the Federal share of the cost of activities carried out using such funds shall be 80 percent.
Technical assistance.—
The Secretary may allocate not more than 10 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year to provide technical assistance to States to carry out activities under this section.
Other uses.—
The Secretary may reallocate, before the last day of any fiscal year, amounts remaining available under paragraph (1) to increase the amounts made available to carry out any of other activities authorized under section 403 of title 23, United States Code, in order to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all such amounts are obligated during such fiscal year.”
High Visibility Enforcement Program
In General.—
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall establish and administer a program under which at least 3 high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns will be carried out for the purposes specified in subsection (b) in each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and in the period beginning on
Purpose.—
The purpose of each law enforcement campaign under this section shall be to achieve outcomes related to at least 1 of the following objectives:
Reduce alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired operation of motor vehicles.
Increase use of seat belts by occupants of motor vehicles.
Advertising.—
The Administrator may use, or authorize the use of, funds available to carry out this section to pay for the development, production, and use of broadcast and print media advertising and Internet-based outreach in carrying out traffic safety law enforcement campaigns under this section. Consideration shall be given to advertising directed at non-English speaking populations, including those who listen, read, or watch nontraditional media.
Coordination With States.—
The Administrator shall coordinate with the States in carrying out the traffic safety law enforcement campaigns under this section, including advertising funded under subsection (c), with a view to—
relying on States to provide the law enforcement resources for the campaigns out of funding available under this section and sections 402, 405, [former] 406, and [former] 410 of title 23, United States Code; and
providing out of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resources most of the means necessary for national advertising and education efforts associated with the law enforcement campaigns.
Use of Funds.—
Funds made available to carry out this section may only be used for activities described in subsection (c).
State Defined.—
The term ‘State’ has the meaning such term has under section 401 of title 23, United States Code.”
Motorcyclist Safety
First Responder Vehicle Safety Program
Law Enforcement Training
National Bicycle Safety Education Curriculum
Development.—
The Secretary is authorized to develop a national bicycle safety education curriculum that may include courses relating to on-road training.
Report.—
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [
Funding.—
From amounts made available under section 210 [probably should be section 206], the Secretary may use not to exceed $500,000 for fiscal year 1999 to carry out this subsection.”
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grants
In general.—
The Secretary shall make grants to a national, not-for-profit organization engaged in promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety—
to operate a national bicycle and pedestrian clearinghouse;
to develop information and educational programs; and
to disseminate techniques and strategies for improving bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Authorization of appropriations.—
There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this subsection $500,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2004 and $415,000 for the period of
Applicability of title 23.—
Funds authorized by this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the funds shall remain available until expended.”
Highway Safety Education and Information
In general.—
For fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the Secretary shall allow any State to use funds apportioned to the State under section 402 of title 23, United States Code, to purchase television and radio time for highway safety public service messages.
Reports by states.—
Any State that uses funds described in paragraph (1) for purchasing television and radio time for highway safety public service messages shall submit to the Secretary a report describing, and assessing the effectiveness of, the messages.
Study.—
Based on information contained in the reports submitted under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of purchasing television and radio time for highway safety public service messages using funds described in paragraph (1).”
Evaluation of Handicapped Parking System
Obligation Limitation
Handicapped Parking System
Regulations.—
Not later than the 180th day following the date of the enactment of this Act [
which establish a uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped individuals, and
which encourage adoption of such system by all the States.
In issuing such regulations, the Secretary shall consult the States.
Definitions.—
For purposes of this section—
Uniform system for handicapped parking.—
A uniform system for handicapped parking designed to enhance the safety of handicapped individuals is a system which—
adopts the International Symbol of Access (as adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its 11th World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled) as the only recognized symbol for the identification of vehicles used for transporting individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk;
provides for the issuance of license plates displaying the International Symbol of Access for vehicles which will be used to transport individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State;
provides for the issuance of removable windshield placards (displaying the International Symbol of Access) to individuals with handicaps which limit or impair the ability to walk, under criteria determined by the State;
provides that fees charged for the licensing or registration of a vehicle used to transport individuals with handicaps do not exceed fees charged for the licensing or registration of other similar vehicles operated in the State; and
for purposes of easy access parking, recognizes licenses and placards displaying the International Symbol of Access which have been issued by other States and countries.
State.—
The term ‘State’ has the meaning such term has when used in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code.”
Parking for Handicapped Persons; Study and Report; Proposed Uniform State Law
Study.—
The Secretary shall conduct a study for the purpose of determining—
any problems encountered by handicapped persons in parking motor vehicles; and
whether or not each State should establish parking privileges for handicapped persons and grant to nonresidents of the State the same parking privileges as are granted to residents.
Report.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [
Development of Proposed Uniform State Law.—
Requirement.—
If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that each State should establish parking privileges for handicapped persons and grant to nonresidents of the State the same parking privileges as are granted to residents, the Secretary shall develop a proposed uniform State law with respect to parking privileges for handicapped persons and submit a copy of the proposed uniform State law to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives and each State.
Factors to consider.—
In developing the proposed uniform State law, the Secretary shall consult with the States and shall consider any advantages—
of ensuring that parking privileges for handicapped persons may be utilized whether a handicapped person is a passenger or a driver;
of the use of the international symbol of access as the exclusive symbol identifying parking zones for handicapped persons and identifying vehicles that may park in such parking zones;
of displaying the international symbol of access on license plates or license plate decals and on identification placards; and
of designing any identification placard so that the placard is easily visible when placed in the interior of any vehicle.
Report.—
If a proposed uniform State law with respect to parking privileges for handicapped persons is developed and submitted to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation [now Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure] of the House of Representatives under paragraph (1), within 12 months after the date of such submission and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall report to such committees on the extent to which each State has adopted the proposed uniform State law.”
Schoolbus Safety Measures; Study by National Academy of Sciences and Report; Publication of List of Most Effective Safety Measures in Federal Register; Schoolbus Safety Grant Program
Study.—
National academy of sciences.—
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [
Report.—
In entering into any arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences for conducting the study and investigation under this subsection, the Secretary shall request the National Academy of Sciences to submit, not later than 18 months after the date on which such arrangements are completed, to Congress and the Secretary a report on the results of such study and investigation. The report shall contain a list of those safety measures determined by the Academy to be most effective in protecting the safety of schoolchildren while boarding, leaving, and riding in schoolbuses.
Review of report.—
Upon receipt of the report under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall review such report for the purpose of determining those safety measures that are the most effective in protecting the safety of schoolchildren while boarding, leaving, and riding in schoolbuses. Not later than 2 months after the date of receipt of such report, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of those safety measures which the Secretary determines are the most effective in protecting the safety of such children.
Information.—
Upon request of the National Academy of Sciences, the Secretary shall furnish to the Academy any information which the Academy deems necessary for the purpose of conducting the study and investigation under this subsection.
Schoolbus Safety Grant Program.—
Set-aside.—
Before apportioning any funds made available to carry out section 402 of title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 1989, 1990, and 1991, the Secretary may set aside an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for making grants to States to implement those schoolbus safety measures published by the Secretary under subsection (a).
Application.—
Any State interested in receiving under this subsection a grant to implement schoolbus safety measures in fiscal year 1989, 1990, or 1991 shall submit to the Secretary an application for such grant. Applications under this subsection shall be submitted at such time and in such form and contain such information as the Secretary may require by regulation.
Limitation.—
No State shall receive more than 30 percent of the funds set aside pursuant to this subsection for any fiscal year in grants under this subsection.”
Special Parking Privileges for Handicapped Persons
The Congress finds that—
in this Nation there exist millions of handicapped people with severe physical impairments including partial paralysis, limb amputation, chronic heart condition, emphysema, arthritis, rheumatism, and other debilitating conditions which greatly limit their personal mobility;
these people reside in each of the several States and have need and reason to travel from one State to another for business and recreational purposes;
each State maintains the right to establish and enforce its own code of regulations regarding the appropriate use of motor vehicles operating within its jurisdiction;
within a given State handicapped individuals are oftentimes granted special parking privileges to help offset the limitations imposed by their physical impairment;
these special parking privileges vary from State to State as do the methods and means of identifying vehicles used by disabled individuals, all of which serve to impede both the enforcement of special parking privileges and the handicapped individual’s freedom to properly utilize such privileges;
there are many efforts currently underway to help alleviate these problems through public awareness and administrative change as encouraged by concerned individuals and national associations directly involved in matters relating to the issue of special parking privileges for disabled individuals; and
despite these efforts the fact remains that many States may need to give the matter legislative consideration to ensure a proper resolution of this issue, especially as it relates to law enforcement and placard responsibility.
The Congress encourages each of the several States working through the National Governors Conference to—
adopt the International Symbol of Access as the only recognized and adopted symbol to be used to identify vehicles carrying those citizens with acknowledged physical impairments;
grant to vehicles displaying this symbol the special parking privileges which a State may provide; and
permit the International Symbol of Access to appear either on a specialized license plate, or on a specialized placard placed in the vehicles so as to be clearly visible through the front windshield, or on both such places.
It is the sense of the Congress that agreements of reciprocity relating to the special parking privileges granted handicapped individuals should be developed and entered into by and between the several States so as to—
facilitate the free and unencumbered use between the several States, of the special parking privileges afforded those people with acknowledged handicapped conditions, without regard to the State of residence of the handicapped person utilizing such privilege;
improve the ease of law enforcement in each State of its special parking privileges and to facilitate the handling of violators; and
ensure that motor vehicles carrying individuals with acknowledged handicapped conditions be given fair and predictable treatment throughout the Nation.
As used in this section the term ‘State’ means the several States and the District of Columbia.
The Secretary of Transportation shall provide a copy of this section to the Governor of each State and the Mayor of the District of Columbia.”