Police in Iceland could gain the power to temporarily seize vehicles used in serious off-road driving cases under draft legislation published for consultation.
The proposal would also allow the Nature Conservation Agency to repair major environmental damage and recover the cost from the person responsible. It follows cases last summer in which tourists were accused of repeatedly driving across protected and sensitive terrain.
Proposal Would Make Off-Road Drivers Pay for Repairing Nature Damage The Nature Conservation Agency could repair serious damage and charge the responsible driver for the work. Police could temporarily seize a vehicle to prevent continued offences or further environmental harm. Penalties for offences causing major damage would be strengthened; consultation closes November 10. Current Confiscation Requires a Court Order
Under current law, a vehicle can be confiscated only through a court decision. The proposed temporary-seizure power is intended to allow officers to intervene immediately when a driver ignores instructions or risks causing additional damage.
The proposal follows serious off-road driving incidents involving tourists last summer. Iceland Review reported that police investigated extensive damage in South Iceland, after which rangers called for stronger penalties and vehicle impoundment. A later report found that online route maps connected with the case had been removed.
The draft also contains wider changes covering nature-conservation infrastructure, cruise-ship landings in protected areas and marine protection. The consultation remains open through November 10. The measures are proposals and have not yet become law.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate; Government consultation portal
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