COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill giving police authority to pull over adult drivers who aren't wearing seat belts is headed to the Senate floor.

The Senate Transportation Committee approved the primary enforcement bill Wednesday.

The bill would allow police to stop adult drivers for not wearing seat belts. Under current law, adult drivers not wearing seat belts can be cited only if they are stopped for another offense or if children in the car are not properly restrained.

Under the bill, convictions will cost drivers $25, but won't be put on a driver's record.

The bill cleared the Transportation Committee with a 14-3 vote.

Opponents argued that the legislation infringes on personal liberties. Edward Haas, spokesman for the South Carolina Libertarian Party, told the committee that seat belts also have killed people, and the government should not be making people risk their lives by wearing seat belts.

"It's unfortunate that it is not 100 percent foolproof," said committee chairman Greg Ryberg, an Aiken Republican and the bill's chief sponsor. "If you save 300 lives, that's a positive step by government," Ryberg said.

The bill could be up for debate early next week. However, Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, filed a minority report on the bill, which could delay debate for a few days.