National Motorists Association Foundation
NMA Foundation Goals
Groundbreaking Research
Most current studies are funded or conducted by those with ties to the safety lobby and government officials who believe that harsher enforcement is the solution to all traffic problems. The NMA Foundation will be a voice of reason.
There is no better way to seek accountability from groups using dubious research claims than by producing our own sound findings.
Our research programs will demonstrate how rational traffic laws based on proven engineering principles can improve the safety of the motoring public. Heavy-handed enforcement methods, such as photo radar or red light cameras, cannot compete with the efficacy of sound engineering.
Invaluable Educational Materials
There is a substantial lack of quality educational materials geared towards motorists. The NMAF will fill this void.
The foundation is already leading the way in providing useful information for all motorists who need to defend themselves against an unjust traffic ticket. The foundation's Legal Defense Kit is the preeminent resource for anyone faced with the prospect of his or her "day in court."
The foundation's educational materials also seek to promote driver-to-driver courtesy and cooperation.
Fighting for All Motorists
For over 20 years the NMA has been advocating for motorists' rights. The National Motorists Association Foundation takes the next step in this fight.
Through litigation we are challenging unfair traffic laws and state limitations on a motorist's right to an adequate defense. We are fighting for you!
A citizen's right to due process, as laid out in the United States Constitution, is under constant threat from governing bodies. Due process guarantees a person's right to a fair trial, an impartial jury, and to testify in one's own defense. Too often, motorists are denied these rights when governments seek to enforce traffic laws.
Many jurisdictions throughout the United States fail to afford motorists the most basic of protections, such as trial by jury or the ability to request discovery (a method to gather information critical to a person's defense).
About The NMA Foundation
The National Motorists Association Foundation (NMAF), established in 1999, promotes fresh approaches to highway and traffic problems based on reason and sound engineering principles. Through a multi-faceted approach of research, education, and litigation, the NMAF is seeking ways to protect your interests as a motorist and citizen.
We are the #1 resource for educational materials relating to fighting unjust traffic tickets and we are rapidly becoming a leading voice in national dialogues on important issues such as lane courtesy. The foundation has also been involved in legal challenges that affect the rights or safety of all drivers. We will build upon our past endeavors by funding precedent-setting litigation on important motorist issues.
The foundation's 2008 financial report is available to the public here.
Legal Aid Grants
What happens to people fighting for justice when the money runs out? Often many motorists involved in long court battles are faced with tough choices. Do they give up, even when they know their position is just?
The NMA Foundation's new Legal Aid Grants Program is designed to help motorists with their legal challenges. Since its founding in 1999, the NMA Foundation has helped to fund a limited number of precedent-setting cases. The foundation is seeking to expand this program. Our ultimate goal is to make sure that whenever an important motorists' rights case comes up, it will no longer be abandoned when legal bills pile up.
Read About Past Grant Recipients
Wisconsin Laser Use
New Mexico DUI Ordinance
Tennessee Speed Limits
Wisconsin Jury Trials
Give Now to Help This Program
Your donation will help us in our shared fight for motorists' rights.
Make A Tax-Deductible Donation
Apply for A Legal Aid Grant
Are you involved in an important legal battle related to motorist issues? Apply today for up to $5,000 in financial assistance.
Apply Now
Research Grants
One of the primary objectives of the National Motorists Association Foundation is the funding of research projects that will further the protection of motorists' rights, improve highway safety, and enhance individual mobility. The timing and scale of NMAF research projects are largely dependent on the availability of funding and the preferences of donors.
Examples of research projects that could be initiated and/or funded by the NMAF include the following:
- Developing new and effective driver education and training concepts for beginning drivers
- Determining the limitations and capabilities of LASER speed measuring devices
- Investigating the accuracy of breath measurement devices for blood alcohol content
- Exploring strategies for providing mobility to persons, such as the elderly and handicapped, who are no longer able to drive
- Ascertaining the legitimacy of visual speed estimation for law enforcement purposes
- Discovering and investigating non-punitive strategies for significantly reducing fuel consumption
- Developing operational strategies to reduce congestion on existing streets and highways
NMA Foundation Research Grants will help the foundation get the truth out about traffic safety. We'll fund research to help motorists, not to hinder them. Our goal is safe roads, and the only way we'll achieve this is through rational traffic laws based on proven engineering principles and fair enforcement practices.
Read About Past NMA Foundation Research Grants
$10,000 Camera Challenge
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Give Now to Help This Program
Your donation will help fund important research. It's time for the public to hear the truth, not just the hype, about key transportation issues.
Make A Tax-Deductible Donation
Apply for A Research Grant
Are you a researcher or institution engaged in innovative research on a motorist issue? Apply today for a research grant of up to $10,000.
Apply Now (Printable PDF)
