What does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration do?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Transportation responsible for ensuring the safety of motor vehicles and road users. The agency sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, and provides grants to state and local governments to improve highway safety. It also oversees the recall of vehicles and equipment that pose safety risks. It was established in 1970.
$1.38B
1.2%
How much does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spend?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranked 5th among Department of Transportation divisions in net spending in 2024.
DOT net spending by division, FY 2024
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.
Yearly federal net spending by NHTSA, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than in FY 1980.
Net spending by NHTSA as a share of federal spending, FYs 1980–2024
How did the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spend its budget in 2024?
Federal government net spending isolated to NHTSA, FY 2024
How many people work for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
The number of federal employees working for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has increased 29.7% since 2010.
Number of federal employees working for NHTSA, September 2010–2024
Who leads the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
The NHTSA is led by an Administrator. This individual is appointed by the President of the United States and requires confirmation by the Senate. The Administrator reports to the Secretary of Transportation. There is no fixed term for this position.
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USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
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USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.