Rules & Regulations

Your Role In Burning Man’s Long Term Survival

While there are practically an infinite number of things you CAN do in Black Rock City, there are some things you need permission or a permit to do, and there are a few things you CAN’T do because they could threaten the future of our event. As a good citizen of Black Rock City, we look to you to support the larger community and own your civic responsibility. By being aware of these challenges and helping to mitigate them you’ll help keep Burning Man alive for years to come.

Porta-Potties: If It Wasn’t Made By Your Body, Don’t Put It In The Potty

Portable toilets will be both provided and emptied regularly. Use these facilities only for their intended purpose, not for dumping garbage or grey water. Putting anything but human waste and one-ply toilet paper (2-ply is a BIG no-no) into the portable toilets makes pumping nearly impossible and threatens the survival of the Burning Man event. NO TAMPONS, TRASH OR WIPES in the portable toilets. THIS MEANS YOU!! Put the lid down when you’re done—it helps keep odors under control. Do not dump grey water in the potties provided for participant use: doing so will fill them up much faster than normal and result in disgusting toilets for everyone. For tips on dealing conscientiously with your grey water, see the Preparation section of the Burning Man website. Do not defecate on the playa; it is an illegal act and unpleasant mess for everyone, especially for those who restore the playa after the event. Finally, if there is a truck servicing a bank of potties make sure you aren’t interfering with their job by using one of the potties— wait until they are finished. Our vendors work really hard so we can all enjoy Burning Man!

Trash In Neighboring Communities

We have very good relationships with the neighboring towns and communities, and we want to keep it that way. Make sure you secure your load to your car REALLY WELL so nothing flies off as you drive the highways, and DO NOT dump your trash or recycling ANYWHERE in our neighboring communities except in a designated dumping area … we’ve compiled a list of them here. Leave No Trace doesn’t end when you hit the pavement. If you see somebody dumping their waste somewhere they shouldn’t, let them know where they SHOULD be dumping it.

Driving Safety On Playa

With this many people at our event, uninhibited driving would be a huge safety hazard. Except for public agencies, specially marked Black Rock City department service vehicles, and vehicles licensed by the Department of Mutant Vehicles, NO cars, motorcycles, motorscooters, ATVs golf carts or go-carts are allowed to drive in our city or on the open playa around it. Unless you’re licensed to drive on playa be prepared to drive your vehicle to your campsite and leave it parked there for the duration of your stay at the event. The speed limit is 5 MPH at all times, anywhere in the city. Only board or disembark Mutant Vehicles when they are stopped.

Burn Scar Prevention

Burning Man’s ability to return to the Black Rock Desert year after year is directly dependent upon our ability to Leave No Trace – which includes burn scars. Volunteers have spent thousands of hours cleaning up burn scars from past Burning Man events and continue to do so. It is your responsibility as a citizen to ensure no burn scars are left on the playa: NEVER start a fire directly on the playa surface. Not only will it create a burn scar, the BLM will issue citations for it. A fireplace, burn barrel or barbecue (in permitted areas only) can be effective for small fires.

Fire Art & Fuel Storage Safety

We love fire at Burning Man, and we must burn safely. Whether you are planning to have a fire barrel, burning your artwork, or incorporating flame effects into your artwork or Mutant Vehicle, you must follow our Fire Art Safety Guidelines, found here: www.burningman.com/installations/index_fire_art.html. All participants using combustible fuels in an art installation or storing fuel in camp must comply with best practices for storing and handling these materials, described here: www.burningman.com/installations/fuel_storage.html. Questions about fuel storage should be directed to: fuelsafetyburningmancom.