After years of stalling in the Minnesota House, legislation giving police more power to ticket unbuckled motorists is cruising toward passage.

The House passed the so-called primary seat belt law on Monday 73-60. The measure has long fared better in the Senate, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty has voiced his support. The Senate later approved the bill 47-19, sending it to the governor.

The bill gives police the ability to pull over and ticket motorists solely because they or their passengers aren’t buckled up. Currently, law enforcement must spot another traffic offense to make the stop.

The violation carries a $25 fine.

Minnesota has $3.4 million in federal transportation money riding on the change.

Opponents say seat belt use should remain a personal choice and worry it’ll be a basis for racial profiling.

Albert Lea law enforcement officers have voiced support for the measure.