The Missouri Senate gave initial approval March 31 to a measure that would permit police to pull over drivers for not buckling up.

The bill received first-round approval on a voice vote and needs a second vote to advance to the House.

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

The bill, SB710, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Goode, D-St. Louis, 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.

No points would be assessed against the driver's license.

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. In Missouri, that would mean $77 million, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

The bill would also require children under age 6 to ride in safety seats. Current law specifically requires that children under 4 ride in a child restraint system.