HARRISBURG - A proposal to prohibit using hand-held cell phones or sending text messages while driving divided the state House of Representatives along party lines today.

"We are trying to stop accidents from occurring, not merely trying to be punitive after the fact," said Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, the sponsor of the proposed ban. "The public is on our side in this."

Shapiro's proposal would impose a $50 fine and make violations a primary offense meaning police could pull over motorists they see using cell phones.

A Democrat majority narrowly defeated Republican attempts to table the measure, an amendment to a bill that would impose a string of new safety-oriented restrictions on teenage drivers. The underlying bill, which was debated today, was not expected to get a final vote in the House this week. It also would require approval by the Senate and Gov. Ed Rendell if it is to become law.

Republican opponents expressed doubt that police would be able to enforce such a law, and several said they would prefer a different approach that more broadly addressed the issue of distracted drivers.