By Dave Thompson

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The state Senate has voted to make North Dakota’s seat belt law “primary enforcement.”

That means a driver can be stopped for not buckling up.

It’s currently “secondary enforcement,” in that you have to be stopped for another violation, and then can have another $25 tacked on for not buckling up.

The bill’s sponsor is Williston Republican State Senator Brad Bekkedahl.

The bill requires everyone in a vehicle to wear seat belts. Current law only requires front-seat passengers to be buckled up.

The vote was 28 to 18 in favor of the bill. No one spoke against it on the Senate floor.

Unless it’s reconsidered, the measure will now go to the House.