Failure to do a bit of homework before off-roading in a new place can be costly, as a group of tourists in Iceland found out on Tuesday.

Not all places in the world have the freedom to drive off-road as we do in this country and, even here, it is important to tread lightly when wheeling. “Leave the place as you found it” is pretty good advice – both in off-roading and when staying at someone else’s home. This ethos was driven home to us last year after spending time with the Piston’s Wild off-roading group in Oregon, a crew who cut through the red tape to properly build a trail system for everyone to enjoy.

Cops in Iceland announced earlier this week they fined a group of tourists for taking their tires where they weren’t supposed to tread. The crew of 25, assembled in seven different vehicles of at least four of which were being driven off-road, were levied a penalty of 1.4 million ISK. That works out to just over $9,000 USD.

According to the gendarmes, the group was driving on the Breiðamerkursandi sands near Jökulsá and the protected area of Grafarlönd. The police statement (shown here in part with the help of Google Translate) went on to say “Significant damage was done on land on the west coast of Jökulsárlón and massive damage to land in the Grafland countries north of Herðubreiðar.” They also noted “The tourists concerned also wanted to assist in the repair of the damaged country, but it was estimated by the national authorities that it would be better to get specific equipment and people.”

Now, it’s not as if Iceland banishes people at the first mention of adventure. Rather the opposite, in fact, given the proliferation of jacked and well-equipped Hilux pickups roaming the nation. Some car rental companies advertise their rigs with rooftop tents, for example. However, illegal off-road driving in Iceland that damages the fragile natural landscape has become a problem, to the point where an information campaign has been launched. It is aimed at tourists, warning them to drive only on designated roads so as to avoid causing environmental damage.

Tread lightly, folks.