QUICK REFERENCE
DMV OFFICE: Esplanade & Center Camp Portal East, hours vary by day SPEED LIMIT: 5 mph or less throughout Black Rock City DRIVING ALLOWED: Only licensed Mutant Vehicles and registered accessibility vehicles VEHICLE SOUND: No amplified music 2am-10am on city streets, open playa has different rules DRONE POLICY: Highly controlled, must be pre-registered and checked in on-site
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Can I drive my car in the city? → No, unless it's a registered accessibility vehicle
How do I get my art car approved? → Pre-register, bring for DMV inspection when 100% complete
What are the sound rules? → No amplified music between 2am-10am on streets, 3-hour limit when parked on playa
Can I fly my drone? → Only if pre-registered and approved, no on-site approvals
What's the speed limit? → 5 mph maximum, slower in crowds or hazardous conditions
REMEMBER: All vehicle policies prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety above convenience
See detailed inspection requirements, sound policies, and safety regulations below
Also see:
A2: Getting Help Fast (for vehicle emergencies, lockout services)
C3: Practical Services (for fuel services, vehicle repair)
E2: Safety & Environmental (for fuel safety, fire safety integration)
D1: Accessibility & Inclusion (for accessibility vehicle procedures)
Vehicle policy enforcement:
Policy questions → E1 (rules and requirements)
Registration needs → E1 (DMV) + D2 (Placement for access)
Safety violations → E1 (consequences) + A1 (Ranger intervention)
Emergency situations → A2 (immediate help) + E1 (policy context)
DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles)
DMV Office Information
Location: Esplanade & Center Camp Portal East Inspection Area: "Salem's Lot" - 100 feet out from Esplanade & 6:00 Portal Staff Identification: DMV volunteers, aka “Hotties”, in designated area will be wearing badge
DMV Operating Hours
Pre-Event:
Saturday & Sunday:
Accessibility vehicles only: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Mutant Vehicles & Accessibility vehicles: 1:00pm - 10:30pm
Event Week:
Monday
Accessibility vehicles only: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Mutant Vehicles & Accessibility vehicles: 1:00pm - 10:30pm
Tuesday: 11:30am - 10:30pm
Wednesday - Friday: 3:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday (Burn Day) and beyond: Closed
Mutant Vehicle Requirements
Pre-Registration Required:
All Mutant Vehicles must be registered before arriving
No on-site registration available
Application process includes vehicle details, safety plans, insurance
100% Completion Rule:
Vehicles must be completely finished before inspection
No "almost done" or "second chance" inspections
All safety features, lighting, and modifications must be complete
DMV does not have time for multiple inspections per vehicle
Inspection Process
Below are the steps for getting your Mutant Vehicle licensed to drive in Black Rock City. Unless otherwise specified, these can be completed in any order (new for 2025):
Day License Inspection (at the DMV): This inspection is required for Mutant Vehicles applying for a Day License.
Night License Inspection (at the DMV): This inspection is for Mutant Vehicles that need a Night License.
ZIPLINE: If your vehicle has a ZipLine invite, you can have both your Day and Night License inspections done at the same time at the DMV, during either day or night operating hours.
Flame Effects Inspection (at FAST): If your Mutant Vehicle includes flame effects, you must obtain this separate inspection. Important: This inspection can only be completed after your vehicle has been licensed by the DMV.
Laser Effects Inspection (arranged by the Laser Art Safety Team): For Mutant Vehicles equipped with laser effects, the Laser Art Safety Team will arrange this specialized inspection.
Special Inspections
Flame Effect Inspection:
Required for ANY flame effects on Mutant Vehicles
Fire Arts Safety Team (F.A.S.T.) conducts inspections
Available 2:00pm - 6:00pm from Saturday 08/24 through Friday 08/30
Must be completed BEFORE operating flame effects in city
Laser Effect Inspection:
Required for ANY laser effects mounted on Mutant Vehicles
Laser Arts Safety Team (L.A.S.T.) conducts inspections by appointment
Contact Safety Department to schedule
Unsafe installations will not be permitted to operate
Mutant Vehicle Driving Rules
Speed Restrictions:
Maximum: 5 mph throughout Black Rock City
Conditions: Less than 5 mph in hazardous situations
Crowds: Significantly slower when people are present
Weather: No driving during whiteouts or rain
Right of Way Priority:
Pedestrians (always first priority)
Bicycles
Emergency services vehicles
Other Mutant Vehicles
Prohibited Driving Conditions:
Under influence of drugs or alcohol
During whiteouts or rainy conditions
On wet or freshly-watered roads
On pedestrian-designated streets (see city map)
Mandatory Stops:
Must stop immediately when hailed by:
Any BRC Staff member
Black Rock Ranger
Law enforcement officer
Accessibility Vehicles
Accessibility Vehicle Licensing
Purpose: Vehicles for people with disabilities Pre-Registration: Required before event Documentation: Government-issued disability identification Inspection: Must pass safety inspection like other vehicles
Accessibility Vehicle Criteria
Eligible Users: Participants with documented disabilities requiring vehicle access Vehicle Types: Standard vehicles modified or used for accessibility needs Decoration: No artistic modification required (unlike Mutant Vehicles) Identification: Display official disability sticker when operating
Operating Guidelines for Accessibility Vehicles
Same Traffic Rules: Must follow all BRC driving rules (speed, right of way, etc.) Same Safety Standards: No exceptions for safety requirements Respect from Community: Other participants should not harass or question these vehicles Reporting: If concerned about unauthorized vehicle, report to Rangers (don't confront)
Important Community Education
Don't Assume Violations: If vehicle doesn't look like art car, may be accessibility vehicle Don't Harass: Never confront participants about their vehicle use Report Properly: Contact Rangers if genuinely concerned about unauthorized driving Respect Privacy: Don't demand proof of disability from accessibility vehicle users
Vehicle Sound Policy
City Street Sound Rules
Quiet Hours (2:00am - 10:00am):
NO amplified music while driving on city streets
Applies to all circular streets (Esplanade through L) and radial streets
Includes Center Camp and Plaza areas
Acoustic music (un-amplified) is permitted
Active Hours (10:00am - 2:00am):
Amplified sound permitted while driving
Must be mindful of surroundings and volume
Consider proximity to camps and activities
Respect ongoing events and programs
Respect the Temple Burn
Parked Vehicle Sound (In Camps)
Within Camp Boundaries:
Mutant Vehicles may use sound systems when parked in assigned camp
Must comply with general Black Rock City sound policy
Subject to neighbor negotiation and community standards
Treat as stationary sound installation
Open Playa Sound Rules
Motion Restrictions: No time restrictions while vehicle is moving on open playa Stationary Limits: 3-hour maximum when parked in any one location Artist Consent: Must ask permission before playing sound near art installations Respectful Operation: Consider nature of nearby installations and activities
Esplanade Sound Considerations
Proximity Rule: Be respectful within 100 yards of Esplanade Camp Coordination: Work with Esplanade camps facing those streets Activity Awareness: Turn down sound if other activities are in progress Special Events: Respect sacred gatherings
Deep Playa Music Zone (DMZ)
Location: 5,340 feet from The Man between 10:30 and 11:15 clock positions Extended Play: Up to 12 hours stationary time allowed No Volume Limits: No sound pressure restrictions (but speakers must face away from city) Full Services: Sanitary stations and Emergency Medical Services available Size: Over 22 acres, supports multiple large vehicles simultaneously
Sound Policy Violations and Enforcement
Enforcement Authority:
DMV Council members
Placement Department staff
Black Rock Rangers
Violation Consequences:
Single violation: Could result in immediate license revocation
If licenses revoked, vehicle must return to camp and remain parked
Subsequent infractions: Vehicle ejection from Black Rock City
Future registration may be affected
Temple Burn Sound Rule:
ALL Mutant Vehicles must turn off sound systems at Temple burn perimeter
Violation can result in forfeiture of future DMV licensing
No exceptions for this sacred community event
Drone Policy
Drone Operation Restrictions
Pre-Registration Required: All drones must be registered before event No On-Site Approvals: Cannot get drone approved after arriving at event Check-In Required: Approved drones must check in on-site before flying Highly Controlled: Very limited number of approved drone operations
Approved Drone Identification
Drone Markings: Approved drones have visible identification tags Pilot Identification: Approved pilots wear bright safety vests Flight Restrictions: No flying over crowds or populated areas Weather Limitations: Cannot operate in dust storms or high winds
Drone Safety Requirements
Pilot Certification: Must meet FAA and Burning Man requirements Insurance: Comprehensive liability coverage required Flight Plans: Specific approved flight paths and times Safety Protocols: Emergency landing procedures and communication
Reporting Unauthorized Drones
What to Look For:
Drones without visible approval tags
Flying over crowds or camps
Unsafe flight patterns
Pilots without safety vests
How to Report:
Contact any Black Rock Ranger immediately
Provide location and description of drone activity
Do not attempt to stop or interfere with drone
Note time and flight pattern if safe to observe
Lost or Found Drones
Found Drones: Turn in to Lost & Found with special handling procedure Process: L&F logs item and contacts Safety Team immediately Safety Team Response: All drones (approved or not) turned over to Safety Owner Responsibility: Approved drone owners must track their equipment
General Vehicle Safety Policies
Vehicle Equipment Requirements
Lighting: All vehicles must have proper lighting for conditions Brakes: Reliable braking system appropriate for vehicle weight Steering: Responsive steering and control systems Visibility: Clear sight lines for operator in all directions Communication: Method for hearing external warnings and communication
Operator Requirements
Sobriety: No operation under influence of drugs or alcohol Awareness: Maintain constant awareness of surroundings Communication: Respond to signals from Rangers, staff, and law enforcement Training: Understand all vehicle operation rules and safety protocols
Passenger Safety
Capacity Limits: Do not exceed safe passenger capacity Safety Briefing: Inform passengers of safety rules before departure Secure Seating: Provide secure seating or standing areas Emergency Procedures: Passengers must understand emergency protocols
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety
Daily Checks: Inspect vehicle before each day's operation Maintenance: Address mechanical issues immediately Fuel Safety: Follow all fuel storage and handling protocols Weather Response: Do not operate in unsafe weather conditions
Pro Tips for Volunteers
DMV Information Support
Pre-Registration Reality:
"All Mutant Vehicles must be registered before arriving - no on-site registration"
"Vehicles must be 100% complete before inspection - no second chances"
"Daytime inspection required first, even for night-only licenses"
Managing Expectations:
"DMV is extremely busy - bring completed vehicle only"
"Flame and laser effects require additional specialized inspections"
"Inspection process can take several hours during busy times"
Vehicle Sound Policy Guidance
Simple Rules Summary:
"No amplified music 2am-10am while driving on city streets"
"Three-hour limit when parked on open playa"
"Deep Playa Music Zone allows extended play"
"Always respect Temple Burn - all sound off"
Common Misconceptions:
"Sound rules apply to WHERE you are, not what time you arrived there"
"Open playa and city streets have different rules"
"Parked in camp = follow general sound policy"
Accessibility Vehicle Education
"Not all authorized vehicles look like art cars"
"Accessibility vehicles may appear like regular cars but are properly registered"
"Don't harass or question participants - report concerns to Rangers"
"Respect that some people need vehicle access for mobility"
Drone Policy Enforcement
"All drones must be pre-registered - no exceptions"
"Only approved drones with tags and pilots with vests are authorized"
"Report unauthorized drones to Rangers immediately"
"Found drones go to Lost & Found with special Safety Team handling"
Safety Priority Messaging
"All vehicle policies prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety"
"5 mph speed limit is maximum - slower in crowds or hazardous conditions"
"When in doubt, stop and ask - Rangers and staff have authority"
"Vehicle privileges can be revoked immediately for safety violations"
Common Questions and Responses
"Can I drive my regular car?" → Only if registered as accessibility vehicle with proper documentation "My art car isn't quite finished" → DMV only inspects 100% complete vehicles, no exceptions "Can I play music while driving at night?" → Not on city streets between 2am-10am, open playa has different rules "Why can't I fly my drone?" → All drones must be pre-registered, no on-site approvals available