Since 1986, Minnesota drivers who get caught speeding in a 55 mph zone by 10 mph or less haven't had that offense reported to their insurance companies. They have to pay the fine, but it's hidden so that it won't affect rates.

It's called the Dimler Amendment, after former state Rep. Chuck Dimler of Chanhassen, who sponsored it. Changes were later made to hide tickets for anyone going 5 mph over in a 60 zone.

For several years, the state House has tried to extend this loophole so that speeding tickets for going up to 10 mph over the limit in a 60 mph zone would also be hidden from the insurance companies. But it's been hung up in the state Senate.

Advocates are pushing it again this year: It's part of a transportation bill that's been approved by the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee, says the House Public Information Services.

The State Patrol and Department of Transportation oppose the extension, saying it sends the wrong message about traffic safety laws, according to the story.

Next step: a hearing in the House Government Operations and Elections Committee.