A man has been caught drug driving in the Adelaide Hills with a child sitting in his lap, and in a bid to escape further punishment, has allegedly claimed the child was the one driving.

Key points: Man tests positive for methamphetamine while driving in Adelaide Hills

Man tests positive for methamphetamine while driving in Adelaide Hills Police say he had a child sitting in his lap at the time

Police say he had a child sitting in his lap at the time It is alleged the man claimed the child was the one driving

South Australian police said a Mount Barker Highway Patrol pulled over a vehicle on North Terrace in Littlehampton — in the Adelaide Hills — at about 5:30pm yesterday after noticing a young child was sitting on the lap of the driver.

Police said the 39-year-old male driver tested positive for methamphetamine and when police questioned him about his driving, he allegedly stated that it was the child who was driving.

Police said the man was then reported for driving in a dangerous manner and failing to ensure the child was wearing a seatbelt.

He was also issued with a driver direction not to drive for 24 hours.

Police said the male driver tested positive for methamphetamine, also known as ice. ( AAP: NSW Police )

Superintendent Mark Fairney, officer in charge of the Hills Fleurieu local service area, was quick to condemn the actions of the male driver.

"This is the height of irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel," he said.

"The child was under the care of this person, who showed a complete disregard for their safety.

"Not only was the child unsecured in the car, but the driver was also allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine."

Police said a sample taken would be sent for forensic testing and the driver would be summonsed to appear in the Mount Barker Magistrates Court at a later date.

The Department for Child Protection was also notified of the incident.