QUICK REFERENCE
FEDERAL LAW: Burning Man is on federal land - federal laws supersede state laws MARIJUANA: Illegal regardless of Nevada state law or medical cards LASERS: Handheld lasers prohibited, mounted lasers must be pre-approved MEDIA CONSENT: Always ask permission before photographing/filming others COVID PROTOCOLS: Follow CDC guidelines, wear masks when needed, isolate if positive
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Is marijuana legal here? → NO - federal land means federal law applies, all marijuana illegal
Can I use my laser pointer? → NO - handheld lasers completely prohibited for safety reasons
Can I take photos/videos? → Yes, but ALWAYS get consent from people you're filming
What if I test positive for COVID? → Isolate, wear mask around others, follow CDC guidelines
Do Nevada laws apply here? → Yes, but federal laws take precedence on federal land
REMEMBER: Legal violations can result in citations, arrest, or removal from event
See detailed legal requirements, behavioral expectations, and compliance guidelines below
Also see:
A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for law enforcement contact, Rangers)
F1: External Resources (for legal assistance, arrest procedures)
C2: Communication & Information (for media policies, documentation rights)
E1: Vehicle Policies (for enforcement integration, safety violations)
Legal issue progression:
Policy questions → E3 (rules and expectations)
Violations/enforcement → E3 (consequences) + A1 (law enforcement contact)
Legal assistance needed → F1 (lawyers, resources) + E3 (rights information)
Community standards → E3 (behavioral expectations) + A1 (Ranger mediation)
Marijuana Policy
Federal Jurisdiction and Law
Location: Black Rock-High Rock National Conservation Area (federal land) Legal Authority: Federal law supersedes all state and local laws. The federal government does not recognize state laws decriminalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. The use and possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are violations of the law. Enforcement: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other federal agencies No State Law Protection: Nevada marijuana laws do NOT apply on federal land
Marijuana Prohibition Details
All Forms Illegal:
Any amount of marijuana (including small amounts)
All marijuana products (edibles, concentrates, oils)
Marijuana paraphernalia and accessories
Medical marijuana (cards provide NO protection)
Legal Consequences:
Federal Citations: BLM can cite for any amount
Criminal Charges: Possession may result in arrest
Event Removal: Participants may be ejected from event
Future Implications: Federal charges could affect employment, travel, and other life aspects
Nevada State Law Context (Does NOT Apply at Burning Man)
For Reference Only:
Adults 21+ may possess up to 2.5 ounces in Nevada
Public use prohibited even under state law
Medical marijuana legal with proper registration
Important: None of these protections apply on federal land
Law Enforcement Presence and Detection
Multiple Agencies: BLM, county, state, and other law enforcement present Detection Methods: Drug-detecting dogs may be used throughout event Enforcement Focus: Shifted from inside event to entry and exit points Vehicle Searches: May use traffic stops as pretext for drug searches
Legal Risk Management
Know Your Rights:
You can refuse consent for vehicle searches (but may face delays)
Be polite but understand your legal protections
Silence is your right - you don't have to answer questions
Consider legal representation if cited or arrested
Risk Reduction:
Don't bring any marijuana or related products
Be aware of others' activities that could implicate you
Understand that possession by others in your vehicle affects everyone in your vehicle
Laser Policy
Handheld Laser Prohibition
Complete Ban: All handheld lasers prohibited throughout Black Rock City. Mounted lasers are only permitted on art pieces, mutant vehicles and in theme camps if they are licensed and comply with specific restrictions. No Exceptions: No handheld lasers of any power or type allowed Safety Rationale: Multiple reports of eye injuries including permanent vision loss Confiscation: Handheld lasers will be confiscated if found
Background and Safety Incidents
Injury History: Rangers and staff reported repeated dangerous laser exposure Permanent Damage: In one occurrence, a Black Rock Ranger suffered permanent vision loss from a laser Safety Risk: Handheld lasers create an uncontrolled safety hazard Industry Standard: Most major festivals and events prohibit handheld lasers
Mounted Laser Installations (Limited Approval)
Pre-Approval Required: All mounted lasers must be disclosed in applications, pre-event Application Process: Theme Camp, Art Installation, or DMV applications include laser disclosure Safety Review: Event Safety Officer reviews all laser proposals Professional Standards: Must follow industry guidelines and safety protocols, see application for more details
Laser Safety Requirements for Approved Installations
Operator Standards:
Treat laser operations as serious safety matter
Ensure all operators are sober during operation
Designate a monitor to ensure safe operation
Automatic systems must have monitoring and shutdown capability
Safety Guidelines:
Follow International Laser Display Association guidelines
Proper beam control and audience scanning protocols
Emergency shutdown procedures and equipment
Appropriate safety zones and barriers
Laser Use During Special Events
Man Burn Restrictions:
Mutant Vehicles may use approved lasers before Man Burn
ALL lasers must be OFF when fire conclave enters Great Circle
Lasers may resume after Rangers release perimeter
Approved vehicles must display identification stickers
General Event Restrictions:
No lasers during Temple Burn or other sacred events
Respect art installations and performance spaces
Follow all DMV sound and safety policies
Coordinate with event staff pre-event for major installations
Reporting Unsafe Laser Use
What to Report:
Any handheld laser use
Unsafe mounted laser operation
Lasers pointing at aircraft or vehicles
Lasers causing eye injury or safety hazards
How to Report:
Note exact location and time… Is it mounted on art pieces, mutant vehicles, or in a theme camp?
Contact Black Rock Ranger immediately
Provide detailed description of unsafe operation
Do not attempt to stop laser use yourself
Media Rights and Responsibilities
Burning Man as Private Event on Public Land
Legal Status: Private event with specific media policies Participant Rights: Right to privacy and consent for recordings Commercial Restrictions: Strict limits on commercial use of Burning Man imagery Policy Enforcement: Media Mecca coordinates compliance and violations
Personal vs. Professional Media Use
Personal Use (Generally Permitted):
Photos and videos for personal memories
Sharing with friends and family
Non-commercial social media posting
Personal documentation of your experience
Professional Use (Requires Registration):
Content creation for public sharing/distribution
Commercial photography or videography
Journalism or documentary work
Any use for business or promotional purposes
Consent and Privacy Requirements
Always Required:
Explicit consent before photographing or filming individuals
Respect when people decline to be photographed
Ask before posting photos of others on social media
Honor requests to delete or not share images
Special Considerations:
Groups and crowds may have different consent expectations
Art installations may have specific photography policies
Some camps and events declare "No Photos" zones
Minors require parent/guardian consent
Commercial Use Restrictions
Prohibited Without Permission:
Using Burning Man imagery to promote products or services
Selling photos or videos containing Burning Man content
Using Burning Man association for commercial advantage
Professional media use without proper credentials
Permission Process:
Contact press@burningman.org for commercial media requests
Register with Media Mecca for professional credentials
Follow all conditions and restrictions in media agreements
Credit and respect Burning Man organization requirements
Drone Photography and Video
Strictly Regulated: All drones must be pre-registered (see E1: Vehicle Policies) No Aerial Photography Exception: Photography purpose doesn't exempt from drone rules Alternative Options: Ground-based photography, kites, poles, existing high structures Safety Priority: Drone regulations prioritize safety over documentation
Media Etiquette and Best Practices
Respectful Documentation:
Focus on art, landscapes, and willing participants
Avoid intrusive or exploitative photography
Respect intimate moments and private conversations
Consider impact of documentation on authentic experience
Social Media Considerations:
Think before tagging location or individuals
Consider whether posting enhances or detracts from community
Respect the principle of immediacy over documentation
Balance sharing with present-moment participation
COVID Policy
Current COVID Approach (Based on 2023 Guidelines)
Mask Policy: Optional but encouraged when participants feel necessary Personal Responsibility: Individuals empowered to make health decisions Community Respect: Honor others' choices about mask wearing and distancing Health Monitoring: Follow CDC guidelines for symptoms and exposure
COVID Exposure Protocol
If Exposed to COVID-19:
Wear mask immediately upon learning of exposure
Get tested at least 5 full days after last exposure
Test even without symptoms developing
Recent COVID (within 90 days) may have different testing recommendations
Exposure Response Actions:
Wear mask and take precautions through day 10
If test negative: continue precautions, monitor symptoms
If test positive: isolate immediately and follow positive protocol
Testing Positive for COVID-19
Immediate Actions:
Inform your manager (if staff/volunteer)
Complete COVID-19 report form
Begin isolation for minimum 5 days
Mask when around others if continuing activities
Isolation Guidelines:
Day 0: Day of positive test (no symptoms) or symptom onset
Day 1: First full day after Day 0
End Isolation: Day 6 if fever-free and symptoms improving
Continued Precautions: Mask around others if still testing positive
Severe Symptoms and Medical Care
When to Seek Help:
Illness more severe than you can self-manage
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
High fever or severe dehydration
Any symptoms requiring medical evaluation
Medical Resources:
Emergency Services: RAMPART (Esplanade & 5:15)
Medical stations at 3:00 & C and 9:00 & C
Emergency contact: BRC 911 or any Ranger
COVID Accommodation Services
For Staff/Volunteers in Isolation:
To-go meals available upon request from Commissary
Outdoor pickup locations for isolated individuals
Bathroom/laundry access handled case-by-case
Work accommodations for essential personnel
Community Considerations:
Respect others' health choices and precautions
Maintain community support for isolated individuals
Continue participation safely with appropriate precautions
Balance personal health with community responsibility
General Legal and Behavioral Expectations
Federal Law Enforcement Context
Multiple Jurisdictions: Federal, state, county, and local law enforcement present Federal Authority: BLM and other federal agencies have primary jurisdiction Standard Laws Apply: All federal and Nevada laws enforced (except where federal supersedes) Consequences: Citations, arrests, and ejection from event possible
Law Enforcement Interaction Guidelines
Know Your Rights:
Right to remain silent
Right to refuse consent for searches (may cause delays)
Right to ask if you're free to leave
Right to request supervisor if concerns arise
Respectful Interaction:
Be polite and respectful in all interactions
Follow lawful orders and instructions
Document interactions when appropriate
Contact Lawyers for Burners if cited or arrested
Behavioral Expectations and Community Standards
Consent Culture:
Always obtain explicit consent for physical contact
Respect personal boundaries and requests for space
Honor "no" and stop immediately when asked
Create safe spaces for all community members
Inclusive Behavior:
Welcome and respect diversity in all forms
Challenge discriminatory language and behavior
Support marginalized community members
Practice radical inclusion in daily interactions
Conflict Resolution:
Address conflicts directly and respectfully when possible
Use Rangers for mediation when direct resolution fails
Focus on solutions and community harmony
Avoid escalation and retaliation
Community Standards Enforcement
Progressive Response:
Community education and peer accountability first
Ranger intervention for mediation and resolution
Law enforcement for legal violations
Event ejection for serious safety or legal violations
Reporting Violations:
Safety concerns: Rangers or Emergency Services immediately
Legal violations: Law enforcement or Rangers
Community standards: Rangers for mediation
Discrimination/harassment: Rangers and appropriate support services
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Marijuana Policy Education
Clear Legal Reality:
"Federal land means federal law - no exceptions for state marijuana laws"
"Medical cards provide NO protection on federal land"
"Any amount can result in citation or arrest"
"Drug detection dogs may be present throughout event"
Risk Communication:
"Law enforcement present from multiple agencies"
"Vehicle searches may occur during traffic stops"
"Know your rights but understand the legal risks"
Laser Safety Education
Safety Focus:
"Handheld lasers caused permanent vision loss to Rangers"
"Complete prohibition with no exceptions"
"Mounted lasers require pre-approval and professional operation"
"Report any unsafe laser use to Rangers immediately"
Prevention Messaging:
"Industry standard at festivals - most prohibit handheld lasers"
"Safety of community members comes first"
"Professional laser installations follow strict safety protocols"
Media Rights Education
Consent Requirements:
"Always ask permission before photographing or filming others"
"Respect 'no' and 'no photos' requests immediately"
"Commercial use requires registration and permissions"
"Social media posting should respect privacy and community"
Privacy Protection:
"People come here to escape documentation and surveillance"
"Focus on art, landscapes, and willing participants"
"Consider impact of posting on authentic experience"
COVID Protocol Support
Personal Responsibility:
"Make health decisions that work for you and respect others' choices"
"Follow CDC guidelines for exposure and symptoms"
"Isolation and masking protect community health"
"Medical care available if symptoms become severe"
Community Support:
"Support community members following health protocols"
"Maintain care and connection for isolated individuals"
"Balance personal participation with community responsibility"
Legal Compliance Messaging
Know Your Rights:
"Be polite but know your legal protections"
"You can refuse consent for searches (may cause delays)"
"Contact Lawyers for Burners if cited or arrested"
"Document interactions when appropriate"
Community Standards:
"Consent culture and inclusive behavior expected"
"Rangers available for conflict resolution and mediation"
"Community accountability supports everyone's safety"
"Legal violations can result in ejection from event"