HELENA (AP) -- The House rejected a measure Tuesday that would have allowed police to stop drivers who aren't wearing seat belts.

The bill, sponsored Senate President Mike Cooney, D-Helena, was defeated 55-45 in the Republican-controlled House amid concerns it would infringe upon "personal responsibilities."

The measure would have made not wearing a seat belt or failing to properly restrain child passengers a primary offense, meaning police would have the power to stop a car for the infraction.

"It's not about seat belts, it's about the acceptance of life," said Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman, whose mother was killed in a car accident. "When it's your time, it's your time."

Proponents of the measure, which had already passed the Democrat-controlled Senate, said the law would save lives and cut down on the high medical costs of treating those involved in serious auto accidents.

"We all pay when people don't wear seat belts," said Rep. Michele Reinhart, D-Missoula.

Current state law allows police to write tickets for not using seat belts or child restraints only after stopping the driver for another infraction.

The bill is Senate Bill 300.