Adults would have to buckle up in New Hampshire or face a $25 fine under a mandatory seat belt bill facing a hearing in the Senate today.
New Hampshire is the only state without a seat belt law for adults. Children under 18 already have to buckle up.
The House has approved the bill. The Senate killed a similar plan last session.
The bill would make a seat belt violation a primary offense, which means police would be allowed to stop vehicles if they see occupants not wearing a seat belt.
Critics argue that wearing seat belts should be a personal choice by adults. Supporters say the state and communities would save money from reduced health costs of caring for severely injured, unbelted victims.
A state survey indicates 69 percent of drivers and passengers wore seat belts last year. The government says the national average was 83 percent last year.