A Missouri lawmaker has introduced a measure in the state Legislature that would permit police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.

Under current law, police can issue seat-belt citations only if they stop drivers for another traffic violation.

HB1200, sponsored by Rep. Robert Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, would allow police to pull over drivers if they are not wearing a seat belt. Under the proposal, drivers found in violation could be fined $25.

Current law permits only a $10 fine.

If signed into law, the regulation would 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.

Missouri is one of about 30 states without a primary seat-belt law.