The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - A bill introduced in the Ohio Senate would allow police to stop motorists just for failing to buckle up.

Officers now can cite drivers and passengers for failing to wear seat belts only after stopping a vehicle for another infraction, such as speeding.

"The aim of this legislation is to get more Ohioans into the habit of wearing their seat belts every time they get in the car," sponsoring Sen. Jeffry Armbruster, R-North Ridgeville, said Wednesday.

Under his bill, an unbelted driver could be fined $30 and a front-seat passenger, $20. No points would be assessed on the driver's license.

Armbruster conceded the bill probably will not pass this year. "It just makes sense to start the debate," he said.

Some legislators are warning that Armbruster's bill would be an excuse for law-enforcement officers to stop motorists so they can look for weapons or drugs.

"Should people wear their seat belts? Yes," said Rep. William Seitz, R-Cincinnati. "Should we go further down the road toward a national nanny state, protecting people from the foibles of their own choices? No. The government can't protect everybody against everything at all times."