RALEIGH — The North Carolina House sent a message to drivers Wednesday: keep your fingers on the wheel instead of your cell phone keypads.

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The House tentatively agreed to legislation that would ban drivers from text messaging or sending e-mails with their cell phones, riding a wave of opposition to the practice after several high-profile accidents were linked to driver distraction.

The bill, which builds on a 2006 law making it illegal for young drivers to use a cell phone, applies to all drivers. Violators could face a $100 fine plus court costs. A school bus driver — already barred from cell phone use on the road — could face a misdemeanor punishable by at least a $100 fine for texting.

"What we're trying to do is make the highways safer. It's all about safety," said Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, one of the bill's chief sponsors.

Ten states and the District of Columbia currently have a text messaging ban for all drivers, according to the national Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety agencies. Two months ago, the association listed only seven states with the ban.

Efforts to expand a cell phone ban in North Carolina beyond drivers younger than 18 have stalled in recent years, particularly as legislators say they aren't persuaded that using a cell phone is any more distracting than other activities. But cutting out text messages have gained support because drivers often have to look down to type.

Rep. Ronnie Sutton, D-Robeson, said he's seen many distracted drivers — some eating with both hands, putting on makeup and even an ex-lawmaker whom he once saw reading a newspaper on Interstate 95.

"It's going to be hard to enforce this particular thing," Sutton said. "But if we end up saving one life out there, it will be certainly worth it."

The bill would make exceptions for emergency responders, as well as people who use voice-activated technology or access global navigation systems.

Responding to a question on the floor, Pierce acknowledged it would be difficult for police to tell the difference between texters and an adult just dialing a number to make a call. But Pierce said he hoped that law-abiding citizens would follow the rule.

The bill was approved by a vote of 108-9. A final House vote could come Thursday. The Senate has yet to consider the legislation, although a similar bill has cleared a Senate committee.

Several groups, including the AAA Carolinas motor club and AT&T North Carolina, support the texting ban.