The Arizona Senate rejected a bill that would make it easier for police to enforce the state’s law for mandatory seat-belt use.

Senate lawmakers voted 19-10 against the bill – SB1024 – that would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement. Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

Failure to pass the seat-belt provision could cost the state 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.

In Arizona that could translate into $12.5 million, the Tucson Citizen reported.

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