The North Carolina House of Representatives is sending a strong message about sending text messages or e-mails while driving.

The House overwhelmingly passed a bill 104 to 5 making the practice illegal on public streets and highways. There are exceptions for emergency response officials and vehicles that are legally parked or stopped. To become a law, the bill will have to get through the Senate, where it heads next, and finally Governor Bev Perdue.

Bill supporters said the measure will help prevent accidents and distracted drivers, but some drivers like Elizabeth Anne Zeph said texting in her car will be a hard habit to break.

"If I get one, I just can't resist not sending one back," Zeph said.

Lawmakers are close to banning the practice, but some drivers aren't sure that's necessary.

"I feel like some people who can multitask or be able to concentrate on driving more importantly than texting, and they can handle the responsibility of that, I feel like that's OK," Sam Hess said. "But, I feel like some people who aren't as experienced should focus more on the road."

The bill's primary sponsor, Representative Garland Pierce, said the bill will only ban text messaging and e-mailing if it becomes law. He said things like MP3 players and GPS systems are OK.

As for texting or e-mailing at a stoplight, Pierce said "Anytime you're in that vehicle on a public highway, then you should not be texting."

But even if the bill becomes a law, some drivers said they'd still be tempted to text.

"I would probably keep doing it, even though I know it's unsafe," JJ Johnson said.

However, many people wonder how the police can catch those who are texting or e-mailing.

"I think it would be hard to enforce, I think it would be a really good idea," Joe O'Shaughnessy said. "I would want a bill with maybe some teeth."

The only penalty in the bill is a $100 fine plus court costs, but Pierce said it's more about sending a message.

"The message is, it's about safety."