diff --git a/pmb/__init__.py b/pmb/__init__.py
index c5e93746..30c8cbd7 100644
--- a/pmb/__init__.py
+++ b/pmb/__init__.py
@@ -37,8 +37,10 @@ def main():
 
     # Wrap everything to display nice error messages
     try:
-        # Sanity check
+        # Sanity checks
         other.check_grsec(args)
+        if not args.as_root and os.geteuid() == 0:
+            raise RuntimeError("Do not run pmbootstrap as root!")
 
         # Initialize or require config
         if args.action == "init":
diff --git a/pmb/parse/arguments.py b/pmb/parse/arguments.py
index 26f45296..1e002e82 100644
--- a/pmb/parse/arguments.py
+++ b/pmb/parse/arguments.py
@@ -171,6 +171,10 @@ def arguments():
                         " cause normal 'are you sure?' prompts to be"
                         " disabled!",
                         action="store_true")
+    parser.add_argument("--as-root", help="Allow running as root (not"
+                        " recommended, may screw up your work folders"
+                        " directory permissions!)", dest="as_root",
+                        action="store_true")
 
     # Logging
     parser.add_argument("-l", "--log", dest="log", default=None,