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BLACK ROCK CITY VEHICLE PROTOCOLS

Black Rock City is designed for pedestrians and bicycles. Movement of vehicles during Burning Man is limited. This text contains the protocols for the movement of vehicles, and the types of vehicles allowed, at Black Rock City.

1. Motorized Vehicles

Definition:
A motorized vehicle is defined as a conveyance powered by ANY type of motor/drive system, including wheeled, tracked, sled, or hovering systems.

Vehicles Allowed to Drive in Black Rock City
All motorized vehicles must remain parked and stationary for the duration of the Burning Man event, with the following exceptions:

  • Agency vehicles (Pershing Co. Sheriffs, BLM, WCSO, etc.)
  • BRC staff vehicles (DPW, theme camp placement, BRC Rangers etc.)
  • Licensed Mutant Vehicles
  • Vehicles for any disabled individual
  • Emergency services vehicles
  • Wind-powered vehicles that meet certain criteria
  • Certain stand-up, one-person scooters (e.g. Go-Ped)
  • Vehicles entering Black Rock City and on their way to camp, including motorcycles, that are a participant's means of transportation to the event

Vehicles Not Allowed to Enter Black Rock
City Certain vehicles may not enter Black Rock City. These include:

  • Nonmutated dirt or street motorcycles, quad runners, three-wheeled motorcycles of any type or design, or other off-road-type recreational vehicles. Note: Motorcycles that are a participant's method of transport to Burning Man (and are on their way in to Black Rock City and their camp to park) are the exception.
  • Any vehicle mimicking an emergency services vehicle
  • Actual emergency services vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and vans, that are not part of the Emergency Services team or local law enforcement
  • Vehicles with ANY lighting (strobes, LEDs, or rotators) that makes the vehicle appear to be an emergency vehicle at night
  • Nonmutated electric motorized conveyances
  • Unauthorized Mutant Vehicles—those without a letter from the DMV authorizing them to come to Burning Man for final inspection. The Mutant Vehicle owner must show this letter to the Gate crew to enter BRC

2. Driving Rules at Burning Man

All Vehicles Drivers or motorized vehicles authorized in Section 1 to move about at Burning Man must adhere to all BRC driving rules, which include:

  • Abiding by all applicable federal and Nevada state laws
  • Driving at a speed of 5 mph (or less, if kicking up dust, or in hazardous situations such as tight crowds)
  • Giving the right of way to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency services vehicles
  • Following the reasonable and applicable vehicle laws for road safety
  • Stopping immediately upon being hailed by any BRC Staff member, Black Rock Ranger, or law enforcement officer
  • Not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Not driving in pedestrian walkways, pedestrian-designated streets, or the Esplanade (see your map for details)
  • Stopping during whiteouts
  • Any additional guidelines set forth by Burning Man

Additional Driving Guidelines for Mutant Vehicles
In addition to adhering to the driving rules indicated above, Mutant Vehicles must:

  • Create a clear field of vision for the operator, including rear and side mirrors
  • Have ground guides (walkers) if the vehicle is large, has a limited field of vision or is dangerous to pedestrians
  • Have a safe access area and procedures for loading and unloading passengers
  • Clearly display the Mutant Vehicle license in a location specified by the DMV

3. Mutant Vehicles - Definition and Licensing Criteria

Definition of a Mutant Vehicle at Burning Man
Burning Man defines a Mutant Vehicle as a motorized conveyance that is radically, stunningly, (usually) permanently, and safely modified. For aesthetic reasons, Mutant Vehicles should not represent the base vehicle (i.e., a bus should not look like a bus; a golf cart should not look like a golf cart), and for safety reasons, they should not mimic any type of emergency services or law enforcement vehicle. Mutant Vehicles include non-standard motorized vehicles such as couches, beds, and armchairs. Let the words "whimsical" and "surreal" guide you through your creative process.

What is NOT Considered a Mutant Vehicle?
The following are not considered Mutant Vehicles, and will not be granted a license:

  • Unmutated vehicles of any kind
  • Vehicles only stripped to the frame and engine
  • Street vehicles with minimal changes or temporary decorations
  • Low riders, classic cars, monster trucks, dune buggies, and hot rods (there are other venues for these vehicles to be appreciated)
  • Vehicles that have not met the DMV licensing criteria

Mutant Vehicle Licensing Criteria
In order to be eligible for a Mutant Vehicle license (and to retain the license for the duration of the event), you must satisfy ALL of the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrate the intent of the Mutant Vehicle.
    What's your motivation? If convenience is your primary goal, please rethink your desire to have a Mutant Vehicle on the playa. The only Mutant Vehicles to receive licenses will be radical works of art, or vehicles with a high participation factor.
  2. Comply with all DMV pre-registration guidelines and deadlines.
    Mutant Vehicle pre-registration is MANDATORY. You will be asked to include a photo or sketch of your vehicle, the safety considerations you are making, detailed information about the vehicle, and your intent in bringing this vehicle to Burning Man. You'll also be asked to agree in advance to honor BRC driving protocols.
  3. Include safety in your design considerations.
    You must demonstrate that you are thinking about safety in terms of your vehicle's design, passengers, and operating procedures. During pre-registration, you will be asked specific questions, including the dimensions of your vehicle, how people can get on and off of your vehicle, and whether your vehicle includes trailers.
  4. Adhere to Black Rock City vehicle/driving protocols.
    Black Rock City has a few simple guidelines/driving protocols (Section 2). If you violate these community guidelines, you'll lose your Mutant Vehicle license at a minimum; your vehicle can also be impounded, and you can be fined by law enforcement and/or ejected from the event. In addition, owners that cannot follow our simple rules run the risk of not being licensed in subsequent years.

Create a Mutant Vehicle that meets the requirements of being a highly participatory, visually stimulating, and whimsically beautiful/surreal contribution to Black Rock City.

4. Vehicles for People with Disabilities

Disabled licenses are issued by the DMV to participants with physical disabilities. Just like Mutant Vehicles, you must pre-register in order to get a license to operate a Disabled Vehicle. Go to the Disabled Vehicle Application to register. Remember you must register before the deadline.

The criteria for licensing a Disabled Vehicle include:

  • Providing a city or state issued disabled placard with the accompanying identification card. The name on the card must match the applicant.
  • A standard of safety for your vehicle and its occupants
  • Physical inspection of the vehicle on the playa
  • Past behavior
  • Current behavior (violating driving rules at Burning Man is cause for revocation of your license, impound of the vehicle, and possible ejection from the event)

The following vehicles will not be licensed:

  • Vehicles larger than pickups
  • Vehicles having multiple levels
  • Vehicles with trailers
  • RV's
  • Motorcycles
  • ATV's

The use of flame effects on vehicles operated by disabled participant at Burning Man require special arrangements. Limited mobility and diminished reaction times can lead to unsafe conditions. If your disability will not affect your ability to control your flame effect or if you have made special arrangements that would allow you to operate your effect safely, please contact flame-effect (at) burningman (dot) com to discuses this matter with us.

You will receive an email from the BRC DMV indicating that your preliminary application has been received. THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR APPLICATION. IT IN NO WAY IMPLIES YOU WILL RECEIVE A LICENSE.

In order to enter Black Rock City with your Disabled Vehicle, you must bring a printout of the email mentioned in the bullet point above along with your placard. This letter will be requested at the Gate. You will not be allowed to bring your Vehicle into Black Rock City without this if it is transported in any other way other than driven.

Questions can be sent to: dmv (at) burningman (dot) com

5. Other Types of BRC Licenses

There are three different categories of licenses issued by the DMV at Black Rock City — disabled, staff, and Mutant Vehicle. All license recipients are required to adhere to the BRC driving rules listed in Section 2.

Staff Licenses
Staff licenses are distributed by each department head to staff members of that department. These licenses are issued to Black Rock City staff members who require a vehicle on the playa to do their jobs.

Mutant Vehicle Licenses
Mutant Vehicle licenses are issued by the DMV. All licensed Mutant Vehicles will be given either a Day and/or a Night license. Licenses will also be designated for Street or Playa driving, based on the size of the vehicle (see more below). Day or Night designation is based on many factors, including what purpose the vehicle serves, lighting and how it is implemented. Mutant Vehicles that incorporate flame effects may also receive a Flame Effects license. Any trailers that are a component of a Mutant Vehicle must be licensed as well. Support vehicles will be reviewed independently.

Street/Playa Licenses
a. Street licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to operate on city streets (with the exception of pedestrian-designated streets) and on the open playa of Black Rock City.

b. A Playa license allows a Mutant Vehicle to operate ONLY on the open playa of Black Rock City. Mutant Vehicles with a Playa license may NOT be operated on BRC streets except on their way to the playa from their camp (using the most direct entry).

Day/Night Licenses
a. Day licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City during the daytime.

b. Night licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City at night. To receive a night license, Mutant Vehicles must be FULLY and RADICALLY illuminated.

c. Some vehicles may receive both a night and a day license.

Trailer Licenses
Trailer licenses are required for any trailers that are attached to Mutant Vehicles. These are licensed separately from the Vehicle and must meet rigorous safety standards.

Flame Effects Licenses
These licenses allow Mutant Vehicles that incorporate flame effects to use these effects on the playa. An additional questionnaire and process is required for these licenses.

6. Wind-Powered Vehicles at Burning Man

Certain types of wind-powered vehicles are allowed within Black Rock City limits. Pre-registration and licensing of these vehicles is not required; however, these vehicles are subject to all of the BRC vehicle guidelines and rules listed in Section 2. Members of the wind sailing community are encouraged to decorate their crafts.

Wind-Powered Vehicles Allowed in Black Rock City Wind-powered vehicles allowed in Black Rock City must have certain characteristics, including:

  • An effective mechanical braking system
  • A pivoting mast
  • Weight of no more than 50 pounds; an additional 30-50 pounds should be allowed for small trailers (in general, the vehicle should be easily hoisted above the head of the operator)
  • Operational only while operator is standing

Wind-Powered Vehicles NOT Allowed in Black Rock City Certain types of wind-powered vehicles are not allowed to operate at Black Rock City. These vehicles may be brought to the Black Rock Airport, and may be stored and operated there. These vehicles include:

  • Vehicles with a fixed mast
  • Vehicles in which the operator is sitting or reclining
  • Three-wheeled "land yachts"
  • Kite sailing vehicles (powered by a high-flying kite rather than attached to a mast)

7. Sound

All vehicles licensed for movement at Black Rock City are subject to the same sound guidelines as theme camps. Sound systems over 300 watts are only allowed to play music at an unrestricted volume in the large-scale sound areas of Black Rock City. When within the city streets, in camping areas, especially later at night, you must turn down your sound to an appropriate level. Also be conscious and respectful of art installations on the open playa, and reduce your volume as you approach.

8. Oil Pans

Oil leaking is hazardous to the playa and is an environmental concern. To protect the playa, all vehicles at Burning Man, including those parked at camp for the duration of the event, must use an oil drip pan.

9. Enforcement

Due to an increase in vehicles, population, and dust it is imperative that all participants adhere to these rules and guidelines. If you cannot follow these simple rules, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may be subject to a fine by law enforcement, or ejection from the event.

10. Policy Changes

As with any Burning Man policy, changes may occur. Any changes to BRC vehicle protocols will be communicated via appropriate methods, including the JRS, Burningman.com, and DMV announce list before the event, and BMIR, Playa Info, and posted notices at the DMV during the event.