A move to give speeding drivers a break on a stretch of Interstate 35E in St. Paul stalled Thursday in the Minnesota House.

The proposal would have allowed police to fine motorists for driving up to 10 mph over a 45-mph speed limit but would keep the infraction off their driver's record.

It failed on a 56-56 vote.

The Minnesota Senate earlier approved the break, so the House vote sets up a possible conference committee showdown.

The break was proposed as an amendment to the House transportation policy bill.

The stretch of 35E runs 3.7 miles through the city's West End and is sometimes called the "practice freeway."

Pat Doyle