The Impaired Driving Enforcement Program (IDEP) and Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) are part of the FFY 2026 Traffic Safety Grant Program administered by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). These high-visibility enforcement initiatives support law enforcement agencies in conducting targeted traffic safety activities that aim to reduce traffic-related fatalities, particularly those involving impaired driving, lack of seatbelt use, and speeding.
High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) is a key strategy for both programs. HVE combines proactive, highly visible law enforcement with a coordinated public messaging effort to change unlawful traffic behavior. Law enforcement agencies that apply for funding through IDEP and STEP must commit to participating in statewide and national enforcement mobilizations and demonstrate a clear understanding of their local crash data to inform their strategies.
To be eligible, agencies must have:
An established road patrol that conducts routine traffic enforcement
A three-year average (2022–2024) of at least 2.0 motor vehicle-related fatal crashes
A willingness to conduct enforcement activities during national campaigns such as:
“Click It or Ticket” (May 18–31, 2026)
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” (Winter and August campaigns)
Other seasonal blitzes, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, and prom events
Agencies must also commit to using at least 50% of their IDEP/STEP hours during mandatory blitz periods, publicize their enforcement activities, and collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions on shared corridors.
Funding is reimbursement-based, and pre-approval through a Request to Purchase (RTP) form is required for all expenditures. Reimbursable costs include:
Labor (overtime) for enforcement activities
Education efforts for STEP (small: up to $1,500, medium: $2,500, large: $3,500)
Fuel/transportation (up to 5% of labor costs)
Unallowable costs include vehicle mileage, equipment, food, alcohol, lobbying, advertising, and grant preparation. All costs must be necessary, reasonable, and in compliance with federal grant regulations (e.g., 2 CFR Parts 200 and 225).
Jurisdictions are categorized by population:
Small (1,000–99,999): max 350 IDEP + 350 STEP hours
Medium (100,000–300,000): max 550 IDEP + 550 STEP hours
Large (300,000+): max 650 IDEP + 650 STEP hours
Proposals must be submitted by May 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. via the GRANTS Plus system. Agencies must identify an Authorizing Official, Project Director, and Fiscal Officer in their proposal and follow the standard grant requirements outlined by OTSO. Proposals will be reviewed in June, with corrections requested as needed and grant execution targeted for mid-September 2025.
