A DAD was pulled over by police after being caught texting while driving a van that was carrying his nine-month-old baby.

The driver was on the M62 near to Rainhill when he was stopped and reported for using his mobile, North West Motorway Police revealed.

A police statement read: "The driver had his mobile phone in a cradle but was happily texting away with his nine-month-old baby in the van."

Police revealed details of the incident on social media following repeated warnings and publicity about the dangers of driving while using mobile phones.

According to the law, using a hand-held phone when driving is illegal.

Drivers caught using a hand-held phone when driving can get six penalty points and a £200 fine.

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People who passed their driving test in the last two years and are caught using a phone could be banned.

The law still applies even if the driver stopped at traffic lights or queueing in traffic.

Police have powers to take drivers to to court where motorists can be banned from driving or riding or get a maximum fine of £1,000. 

To use a mobile while driving, motorists must have hands-free access such as a bluetooth headset, voice command, a dashboard holder or mat, a windscreen mount or a built in sat nav.

The device must not block the view of the road and traffic ahead and the driver must stay in control of your vehicle at all times.

Drivers can only use a hand-held phone if safely parked or if they need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.