Getting Around

Rules & Regulations

Getting Around BRC

Black Rock City is designed for pedestrians and bicycles. No  motorized vehicles except for public agency vehicles, specially marked Black Rock City department service vehicles, and vehicles licensed by the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) are allowed to drive in our city or on the open playa around it. Non-mutated vehicles intended for recreational driving, including motorcycles, large scooters, and ATVs are not permitted in BRC and will be impounded at the gate -- the only exception is a motorcycle that was your sole means of transportation to the event, which you can bring into the city but must park at your campsite. NO unlicensed cars, RVs, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts or go-carts are allowed to drive in our city. Be prepared to park your vehicle at your campsite and leave it there for the duration of your stay at the event. Vehicles driving without a proper permit may be fined, impounded, or disabled by law enforcement or the Black Rock Rangers.

DRIVING INTO BRC

When entering and leaving Black Rock City, please observe posted speeds limits (5 mph; no dust) within city limits. Pedestrians and bicycles have the right of way over motor vehicles. Remember: the event ends Monday, and there is still no driving allowed on Sunday night. These simple rules will be strictly enforced.

MUTANT VEHICLES & THE DMV

Citizens of Black Rock City have an opportunity to participate in the Mutant Vehicle experience, an important piece of the art and participation at Burning Man. The DMV licenses Mutant Vehicles for driving in BRC. All prospective Mutant Vehicles, and those who wish to apply for a disabled license, MUST be pre-registered with the DMV before the event. In order to be granted a license, Mutant Vehicles must meet certain criteria. In addition to being visually stimulating and participatory in nature, vehicles must be safe and owners must comply with community guidelines (no dust, 5 MPH, etc.). Depending on the license type, Mutant Vehicles may be operated either within Black Rock City or on the playa and during the day or at night (which requires radical illumination). The DMV also works with the Fire Arts Safety Team to inspect and license Mutant Vehicles which use flame effects.

MUTANT VEHICLE SAFETY & DRIVING RULES

Mutant Vehicle participants (vehicle artists, operators, and passengers) must comply with certain safety standards, including physical and mechanical integrity of vehicles, and adherence to driving rules. Passengers should only board or exit from a stationary vehicle … and if a vehicle doesn’t look safe, don’t get on. Vehicles are prohibited from driving inside the established perimeter around the Man. The speed limit within Black Rock City is 5 mph at all times – that’s a walking pace. All Mutant Vehicles must also comply with the Mutant Vehicle Sound Policy as stated on the Burning Man web site. For more information about licensing a Mutant Vehicle and driving regulations, see www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/playa_vehicles/

SCOOTERS AND GO-PEDS

Large, seated, street-legal motorcycle type scooters are not allowed to drive in BRC. Small motorized scooters (two wheeled, lightweight, stand-up, small, no-seat, off-street type) and go-peds are allowed in BRC, but they are subject to the same rules as any other motorized vehicles, including 5 MPH speed limit and use of front and rear lights at night. BLM Rangers will issue citations for noncompliance. We strongly suggest loud scooters be equipped with a sound-dampening muffler.

MOTORCYCLES

Motorcycles are ONLY allowed in BRC if they were your sole means of transportation to the event, and they must be driven to and parked at your campsite for the duration of your stay. Motorcycles that aren’t your sole means of transportation will be impounded at the Gate.

HAPPY BICYCLING

Bikes are not merely a convenience, they are part of our culture. Our city was designed for pedestrians and bikes. There may not be bike repair service available, so be sure your bike is in good working order BEFORE the event, and bring a wire brush, chain lube, and extra tire tubes.

  • LIGHT YOUR BIKE! It’s very dark on playa at night on the playa, and there are a lot of people out. Please light all bikes to avoid injury and damage to yourself and others.
  • LOCK YOUR BIKE! It is recommended you lock your bike at all times when not in use. NEVER ever lock your bike to guy wires on the Café or any other structures. This can pose a safety hazard. Also, do not lock your bike to artwork as this may hamper performances and scheduled burns. No bike is considered stolen unless the lock was cut, and no bike is considered lost until the event is over on Monday. If your bike is missing, you can file a lost bike report at Playa Info at any time during the event.
  • DECORATE YOUR BIKE: It is much less likely your bike will be borrowed without permission if it looks unique.
  • MARK YOUR BIKE: and ALL of your significant possessions (backpack, camera, etc.) with your name, phone number or email address, and camp location.
  • LEAVE NO TRACE: DO NOT ditch your bike at Burning Man! Dealing with abandoned bikes stretches our over-taxed resources. Please read www.burningman.com/preparation/event_survival/bikes.html. Further questions can be sent to bikesatburningmandotcom.

WIND-POWERED VEHICLES

Wind-powered vehicles with a pivoting (non-fixed) mast and a standing operator are allowed to move within BRC. All other types of wind-powered vehicles are not allowed within the city but may operate at the Black Rock Airport. Look for the airport on the BRC map.