Drivers caught not wearing their seat belts could be pulled over under legislation in the Tennessee Senate.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up. Currently, police can ticket drivers older than age 17 only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

However, such violations are a primary offense for anyone 17 and younger who is not belted.

Under the proposal, the fine would be $12, up from the current $10 fine.

If signed into law, the regulation could put the state in line for additional funding from the federal government.

An incentive program recently introduced in Congressencourages states to increase seat-belt enforcement. The program would give states three years to enact a primary seat-belt law or reach a rate of usage of at least 90 percent.

Failure to do one or the other would result in a loss of up to 4 percent of federal highway funds to the state.

The bill, SB3098, is before the Senate Transportation Committee.