WINNIPEG - Manitoba motorists could face fines and demerit points if they don't give cyclists a one-metre buffer zone when they pass them on the road.

Dave Gaudreau, a NDP government backbencher, is putting forward a private member's bill that would put the one-metre rule into law.

The Highway Traffic Act currently requires motorists to keep "a safe distance", and Gaudreau says a specific number will improve road safety.

Private member's bills rarely become law, but Gaudreau's idea is being supported by Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.

Ashton says his department has already been looking at the one-metre rule.

He says if Gaudreau's backbencher bill doesn't become law, the government may put the measure in one of its own bills.

Ontario adopted the one-metre rule earlier this year.

Offending drivers face $110 fines and two demerit points.