Virginia DMV launches Highway Safety Grant Program for local projects

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has opened applications for its annual Highway Safety Grant Program.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, the DMV announced that applications are open for organizations to request funding through a grant program supporting local road‑safety projects across Virginia.

The annual Highway Safety Grant Program is for residents in small towns to urban neighborhoods to solve problems where they are needed the most.

For this year, the program is specifically focusing on these areas:

• Improve safety on rural roads
• To protect pedestrians and bicyclists
• Reduce critical injuries and deaths across the state

Grants begin at $5,000 and convert ideas into impactful programs. Previous projects include campaigns led by youths for safe driving, creative ways to promote pedestrian safety and targeted law enforcement initiatives to remove dangerous drivers from the road, according to the release.

“Some of the most impactful safety solutions start with people who care deeply about their community,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, Virginia’s Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “This program gives local leaders the tools and resources to turn that passion into measurable change, helping more Virginians get home safely every day.”

Due to the DMV's new eGrant system, residents can apply online, which allows applicants to:

• Submit and monitor applications in one place
• Upload documents in a secure way
• Track the progress in real time
• Streamline reports

The DMV is encorginig applications from Virginia-based organzations with ideas on ways to improve safety in their area including:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Agencies that are state or local goverment
• Colleges or universities

Projects submitted should include a clear goal with a measurable outcome and a grant training program, per the release.

The DMV wants to hear from residents on ways to prevent crashes, inform vulnerable drivers and strengthen the community. Projects are selected due to impact, innovation and the states safety priorities.

Applications are open from Sunday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. The project funding period will be from Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2027.

For more information and to apply for the ghrant, visit the DMV's website here.