The Florida House passed a bill March 4 that would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Under the bill, sponsored by state Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, drivers could be pulled over solely for not wearing their seat belts. Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

If signed into law, HB15 could put the state in line for additional funding from the federal government, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

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.

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