Let's face it: Black Rock City is huge, and it grows larger each year. How does one navigate such an expanse? It's daunting. As Burning Man grows and BRC expands to accommodate its population, more people are returning to the mindset that plagues many of us in the Western world—our eternal, infernal attachment to (and sense of entitlement around) driving.
It's not a new issue. The Department of Mutant Vehicles and Black Rock Ranger Intercept was created to address the very real challenges associated with driving during Burning Man; it was seen as the alternative to banning outright the movement of vehicles at the event. The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of vehicles at Black Rock City, both in the numbers of Mutant Vehicles and in "rogue" drivers (people driving without a Mutant Vehicle license). With a city of tens of thousands people, and the problems inherent in human-car interaction, it is critical that Burning Man return to being a city for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Ensuring the safe operation of Mutant vehicles is a community responsibility, reports of unsafe operation to the Black Rock Rangers and Department of Mutant Vehicles during the event are responded to by the Black Rock Ranger Intercept Team. Both Intercept and the DMV log incident reports for use in considering future applications.
Black Rock Ranger Intercept
The Ranger Intercept team was established in 2004 for patrolling the inner playa with vehicles and bicycles to address issues with unapproved / unlicensed vehicles, golf carts, ATVs, scooters, motorcycles, go carts, and automobiles driving through the city and on the open playa, reckless driving and speeding by both licensed and unlicensed vehicles and vehicle-related injuries
Intercept has two specific tasks. Primarily, Intercept addresses vehicle safety concerns within Black Rock City. Their other key mission is to convey how seriously burning Man takes vehicle safety to the various Law Enforcement Agencies who would otherwise take matters into their own hands. The most important point in understanding about Intercept is that if the Rangers don’t handle it someone else will. The Intercept program is framed in a manner to present itself as a safety plan to Law Enforcement Agencies in a format they can understand. Rangers must have a lot of leeway and discretion to address issues, without being constrained by protocol. Intercept works closely with Khaki, Dirt Rangers, other Ranger departments, and DMV to help keep our community safe.
Intercept removes or escorts vehicles from the playa and the city, either to long-term parking near the Gate or back to their camps. They have at their disposal a fully operational tow truck for moving vehicles to long-term parking. The Intercept team uses rotating amber lights on the vehicles to keep track of each other and to establish a visible presence as a deterrent to speeders or reckless drivers when a visible presence is required. In addition to staff vehicles, the Intercept squad has bike-mobile Rangers. Bikes are used for tracking a vehicle discreetly without increasing a driver's tendency to speed due to the perception that they are being pursued and are an essential tools for tracking vehicles within the city streets. Intercept maintains a deep-playa Outpost Zero and is linked to the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV). Rangers can share logged instances of repeat vehicle offenders with DMV, or request information on numbered mutant vehicle
license stickers. If participants are unaware of DMV rules and regulations, Rangers educate them and/or send them back to the DMV or back to camp if the DMV is closed. If vehicles / participants repeatedly violate DMV rules, the vehicle may be sent to Long-Term Parking outside the Gate.
Patrol Black Rock Rangers
It is important to note that the Black Rock Rangers are not law enforcement personnel. However, because Black Rock City stands at the intersection of several legal jurisdictions (represented on the playa by the Pershing County Sheriffs Department, the Washoe County Sheriffs Department, Bureau of Land Management Law enforcement, Nevada State Highway Patrol, and other Nevada state agencies), Black Rock Rangers are at times required to interface with law enforcement personnel when event permit obligations require. In addition to event rules such as the no vending policy, prescribed speed limits, and ban on firearms, Black Rock City is also subject to the same laws that govern public conduct in any Nevada city. Black Rock Rangers work cooperatively with law enforcement groups in dealing with criminal conduct such as theft, assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Every year Black Rock Rangers call on law enforcement to help with a very small number of
evictions or to deal with violent behavior.
Rangers share logged instances of repeat vehicle offenders with DMV, or request information on numbered mutant vehicle license stickers. If participants are unaware of DMV rules and regulations, Rangers educate them and/or send them back to the DMV or back to camp if the DMV is closed. If vehicles / participants repeatedly violate DMV rules, the vehicle may be sent to Long-Term Parking outside the Gate.
All Rangers are empowered to prevent vehicles from endangering pedestrians, bicyclists and campsites and can establish radio contact with the Intercept Team if necessary. Rangers watch for vehicles operating unsafely in Black Rock City and attempt to Ranger the situation. They are encouraged to use their best judgment in determining whether a vehicle is posing a safety hazard. The guidelines for vehicles given to Rangers are:
Vehicles should travel at a safe (around 5 mph or less) speed; dust trails are a good indication of excessive speed
Vehicles should not operate during whiteouts
Vehicles should not operate on the esplanade or pedestrian walkways (except for law enforcement)
Vehicles should not be operated while under the influence
Vehicles must be licensed
Rangers do not chase vehicles. They are instructed to radio other Rangers with the location and trajectory of the vehicle to see if anyone else is ahead of it, or just yell ahead to participants to get them to stop the vehicle. Intercept is available to assist Rangers if needed for vehicles on the inner playa.
The protocol for advising a vehicle operating unsafely is:
Educate - simply advise operators on the guidelines for safe operation and explain that community safety is important
Escort - for repeat offenders or bad excuses, offer to escort a vehicle - to the DMV for a sticker, or back to camp for the night
Eject - repeat offenses or bad violations of guidelines can earn a vehicle a trip to “Long-Term Parking” outside the city gates, where it can safely stay for the rest of the event
VEHICLE Stickers
The Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) and the Artery
issue stickers to place on vehicles registered and permitted to operate
on the playa. There are several types of stickers that allow operation in
4 different conditions (the various stickers are on display at Ranger HQ and the DMV for reference):
Day - permitted to operate during daylight hours
Night - permitted to operate during night hours
Open playa only - no operation on the streets of the city
Flame effects - permitted to operate pyro effects!
Artist are permitted to drive to and from art installations with paper licenses that define a limited window for operation.
License Stickers are permits for vehicles, not drivers.
Ranger training establishes the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) as responsible for licensing Mutant Vehicles for driving at Black Rock City, and for communicating with and educating the Mutant Vehicle/Art Car communities, year-round, on issues that affect them.
Vehicles at Black Rock City
>From 1993 through 1996 driving at Burning Man was unrestricted and art cars were a popular form of creative and expressive transportation between far reaching points of the playa. After a participant was severely injured in an auto accident in 1996, the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) was created to address the challenges associated with driving during Burning Man and the growing number of people and problems associated with vehicles being driven in an unsafe manner during the event. The development of a DMV was seen as the only alternative to banning outright the movement of all vehicles and a way to preserve the opportunity for operation of Mutant Vehicles at Burning Man.
Black Rock City (BRC) underwent a transformation as roadways were created and the community discovered that relying on cars to get around had reproduced a too-familiar world of personal convenience. Motorized Vehicles were designed out of Black Rock City transportation, so that a pedestrian and bike culture could emerge.
The Department of Mutant Vehicles was created so that Mutant Vehicles could continue to operate and be (1) approved for entrance into the event (2) inspected (3) licensed and (4) registered for authorized operation as required by the BRC Supplementary Rules and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Special Stipulations. The driving regulations do not reflect a collaboration or mandate imposed by law enforcement organizations. The decision to place a greater emphasis on vehicle operation is in response to the innumerable complaints expressed by participants both during the event as well as input submitted throughout the year around issues of safety. The rules for driving on the playa have not changed. The amount of emphasis being placed on those regulations has. It is about taking responsibility for ourselves when we need to.
Deciding which vehicles get licensed and which ones don't is one of the hardest volunteer responsibilities in the Burning Man community. Not every vehicle that applies for a license can (or should) be licensed. The survival of Burning Man relies in part on its participants embracing the pedestrian and bicycle nature of the event and leaving the car culture in the default world. Yearly the DMV receives over a thousand applications for an invitation to bring a Mutant Vehicle. Approximately 500 are licensed each year, an amount which strikes a balance with the static art displayed on the open playa, safety and pedestrian concerns. Burning Man is actively encouraging people to get away from their reliance on motorized vehicles for transportation and travel by foot or bike. Mutant Vehicles to receive licenses are typically radical creations that are enhanced by motion. They combine visual display and high participation factor for a community contribution that
exceeds the individual benefit of motive transportation. If personal convenience and transportation appear to be the primary goal and motivation, it is unlikely that the applicant’s vehicle will be licensed for operation at Black Rock City.
BLM Special Stipulations
“Operation of motorized vehicles within the event area is prohibited. Exceptions to this prohibition are: mutant vehicles registered with BRC, BRC staff and support, medical, firefighting, motorized skateboards (go-peds) with or without handles, and disabled permitted vehicles. All vehicles shall be operated in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and stipulations, and in accordance with supplementary rules developed by BRC. In accordance with 43 CFR 8343 requirements, all motorized vehicles will be equipped with adequate front and rear lighting during night hours, and must be operating in a safe manner. Such use shall be restricted to open streets within the City. All Mutant Vehicles and staff vehicles registered with BRC, shall display their authorization so that it is visible to the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.”
BRC Supplementary Rules
Pre-registration approval for Mutant Vehicle entrance into the event is MANDATORY. Applicants must comply with all DMV pre-registration guidelines and deadlines. Online Mutant Vehicle pre-registration is required and includes reading and understanding all information about Mutant Vehicles on the playa, filling out the online application and agreeing in advance to honor BRC driving protocols.
Black Rock City Driving Protocols
1) Do not drive a motorized vehicle without a DMV license.
2) Abide by all applicable federal and Nevada state laws for road safety.
3) Stop immediately upon being hailed by any BRC Staff member, Black Rock Ranger, or law enforcement officer.
4) Drive at a speed of 5 mph or less, if kicking up dust, or in hazardous situations such as tight crowds.
5) Mutant Vehicles must come to a complete stop and remain stopped during whiteouts.
6) Give the right of way to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency services vehicles.
7) Don't drive in pedestrian-designated roads, on walkways, the Esplanade or in Center Camp.
8) Don't drive if you are chemically impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
9) Mutant Vehicles must create a clear field of vision for the operator and have walkers if the vehicle is large or has a limited field of vision.
10) Have safe procedures for loading and unloading passengers and always come to a complete stop before anyone gets on or off the vehicle.
11) Do not drive erratically (swerving; stopping and starting quickly).
12) Mutant Vehicles 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, and camping areas they are to turn down the sound to an appropriate level. They must also be conscience and respectful of art installations on the open playa and stationary entertainment venues by reducing the volume as they approach.
Mutant Vehicle Criteria
Burning Man defines a Mutant Vehicle as a motorized conveyance that represents a visually stimulating, whimsical, beautiful or surreal image, combined with a highly participatory community service enhanced by motion. Mutant Vehicles exhibiting limited performance or community service potential should not represent a dominant visual image of a commercially manufactured base vehicle.
Mutant Vehicle licenses
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. 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 licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to operate on city streets (with the exception of pedestrian-designated streets) and on the open playa.
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 licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City during the daytime.
Night licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City at night. To receive a night license, Mutant Vehicles and trailers must be fully illuminated and should define the exterior portions, body projections and trailer connecting bars for visual recognition and avoidance.
Mutant Vehicles must fulfill the intent described in the approved Pre-registration application.
Mutant Vehicles should not mimic any type of emergency services or law enforcement vehicle.
Mutant Vehicle trailers are issued licenses separately and must be present during inspection.
Mutant Vehicle licenses shall be applied on a visible lower left-side section of the rear of the vehicle .
Mutant Vehicle Safety
The applicant is solely accountable for all Mutant Vehicle safety cautions and considerations and is legally responsible for all aspects of safety; including but not limited to the Mutant Vehicle's design, engineering, construction, passenger capacity, safety procedures, operation and structural / mechanical integrity. Applicants must provide for and maintain functioning brakes, controllable speed, and adequate lighting.
Mutant Vehicle Criteria Guidelines
A small but visible percentage of Black Rock City’s population participates by becoming part of the Mutant Vehicle community. Mutant Vehicles can be almost as hard to describe as they are to define in a pass or fail check list, so broad interpretations based on liberally defined perimeters allow creations of varying community contributions. The primary considerations based on the BRC Supplementary Rules developed for Mutant Vehicle are that they exhibit one or all features of being highly participatory, visually stimulating, and whimsically beautiful or surreal contribution to Black Rock City. The DMV makes every effort to only license vehicles that offer something exceptional to the community.
Art Cars in contrast to Burning Man Mutant Vehicles have become so common in creation and everyday life that "Obsessive Collection", mosaic style or graphic painted vehicles that still retain the base shape of a commercially manufactured conveyance may not be considered Mutant Vehicles. Art Cars, similar to custom cars or motorcycles have unlimited venues for display due to their ability to drive on public streets.
Does the dominant image project a desire to intrigue or just travel? Consider the limited community contribution of Mutant Vehicles that lack a basic strong conceptual direction towards visual or participatory elements and project a dominant base vehicle as foremost a means of travel and a viewing platform. Many examples of licensed vehicles in past years are no longer considered Mutant Vehicles as the community and DMV raises the bar and our expectations.
Mass Produced novelty vehicles are not Burning Man Mutant Vehicles. Shriner mini cars, motorized bar stools, cooler trikes, and mini motorcycles represent typical mass produced vehicles that are not Burning Man Mutant Vehicles. With so many participants applying for licensing of truly one of a kind Mutants, who wants to see a vehicle not created from the mind of the applicants or one that just copies someone else’s idea to the point of saturation and familiarity.
Exceptional mutant’s command undistracted community interest when operating and their contribution is enhanced by motion and motive power. Consider attributes exceptional Mutant Vehicles. Does it draw a crowd just sitting still and does every eye and person gravitate towards it? Does the creation defy duplication? Successful Mutant Vehicles are likely to convey an image from a distance and be enhanced by motion. Minimal occupant Mutant Vehicles should offer unique images other than a vehicle where the dominant feature and shape is still a golf cart, ATV, motorcycle or other mass produced conveyance.
Custom built vehicles that primarily communicate engineering craftsmanship in details that are appreciated up close and while the creation is not moving, may benefit the community more as a static display.
Mutant Vehicles can overcome base vehicle recognition with a high level of community involvement by combining mechanical craftsmanship, with social interaction and transportation for the entire community’s enjoyment.
The following vehicles are not allowed, under any circumstances, to drive in Black Rock City. Operating these vehicles at Burning Man can result in the vehicle being impounded, fined by law enforcement and/or ejected from the event.
Non-Mutated ATVs, Quad Runners, Go-Carts, dune buggies, Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, 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.
Vehicles only stripped to the frame and engine or street vehicles with minimal changes or temporary decorations.
Low riders, classic cars, custom motorcycles, monster trucks, and hot rods (there are other venues for these vehicles to be appreciated) Vehicles that have not met the DMV licensing criteria and unlicensed Mutant Vehicles. Wind-Powered Vehicles that Do Not Conform to the Wind-Powered Guidelines. Kite-sailing vehicles, land yachts, and wind-powered vehicles that have a fixed mast and weigh more than 50 pounds are not allowed to operate within Black Rock City.
Flame Effects
If the Mutant Vehicle incorporates flame effects, it will need to go through an additional inspection. These licenses allow Mutant Vehicles that incorporate flame effects to use these effects on the playa.
Scooters
Certain types of motorized scooters, skateboards and go-peds with or without handles are allowed to traverse Black Rock City without needing a license. Small, stand-up (no seat), one-person style scooters, (e.g. Go-Peds) are allowed at Black Rock City, but they are subject to the same rules as any other motorized vehicles – drive 5 MPH and have front and rear lights at night.
DMV volunteer “HOTTIES” and Black Rock Rangers represent community do-ocracy in support of mutant vehicle creators.
It's not a new issue. The Department of Mutant Vehicles and Black Rock Ranger Intercept was created to address the very real challenges associated with driving during Burning Man; it was seen as the alternative to banning outright the movement of vehicles at the event. The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of vehicles at Black Rock City, both in the numbers of Mutant Vehicles and in "rogue" drivers (people driving without a Mutant Vehicle license). With a city of tens of thousands people, and the problems inherent in human-car interaction, it is critical that Burning Man return to being a city for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Ensuring the safe operation of Mutant vehicles is a community responsibility, reports of unsafe operation to the Black Rock Rangers and Department of Mutant Vehicles during the event are responded to by the Black Rock Ranger Intercept Team. Both Intercept and the DMV log incident reports for use in considering future applications.
Black Rock Ranger Intercept
The Ranger Intercept team was established in 2004 for patrolling the inner playa with vehicles and bicycles to address issues with unapproved / unlicensed vehicles, golf carts, ATVs, scooters, motorcycles, go carts, and automobiles driving through the city and on the open playa, reckless driving and speeding by both licensed and unlicensed vehicles and vehicle-related injuries
Intercept has two specific tasks. Primarily, Intercept addresses vehicle safety concerns within Black Rock City. Their other key mission is to convey how seriously burning Man takes vehicle safety to the various Law Enforcement Agencies who would otherwise take matters into their own hands. The most important point in understanding about Intercept is that if the Rangers don’t handle it someone else will. The Intercept program is framed in a manner to present itself as a safety plan to Law Enforcement Agencies in a format they can understand. Rangers must have a lot of leeway and discretion to address issues, without being constrained by protocol. Intercept works closely with Khaki, Dirt Rangers, other Ranger departments, and DMV to help keep our community safe.
Intercept removes or escorts vehicles from the playa and the city, either to long-term parking near the Gate or back to their camps. They have at their disposal a fully operational tow truck for moving vehicles to long-term parking. The Intercept team uses rotating amber lights on the vehicles to keep track of each other and to establish a visible presence as a deterrent to speeders or reckless drivers when a visible presence is required. In addition to staff vehicles, the Intercept squad has bike-mobile Rangers. Bikes are used for tracking a vehicle discreetly without increasing a driver's tendency to speed due to the perception that they are being pursued and are an essential tools for tracking vehicles within the city streets. Intercept maintains a deep-playa Outpost Zero and is linked to the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV). Rangers can share logged instances of repeat vehicle offenders with DMV, or request information on numbered mutant vehicle
license stickers. If participants are unaware of DMV rules and regulations, Rangers educate them and/or send them back to the DMV or back to camp if the DMV is closed. If vehicles / participants repeatedly violate DMV rules, the vehicle may be sent to Long-Term Parking outside the Gate.
Patrol Black Rock Rangers
It is important to note that the Black Rock Rangers are not law enforcement personnel. However, because Black Rock City stands at the intersection of several legal jurisdictions (represented on the playa by the Pershing County Sheriffs Department, the Washoe County Sheriffs Department, Bureau of Land Management Law enforcement, Nevada State Highway Patrol, and other Nevada state agencies), Black Rock Rangers are at times required to interface with law enforcement personnel when event permit obligations require. In addition to event rules such as the no vending policy, prescribed speed limits, and ban on firearms, Black Rock City is also subject to the same laws that govern public conduct in any Nevada city. Black Rock Rangers work cooperatively with law enforcement groups in dealing with criminal conduct such as theft, assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Every year Black Rock Rangers call on law enforcement to help with a very small number of
evictions or to deal with violent behavior.
Rangers share logged instances of repeat vehicle offenders with DMV, or request information on numbered mutant vehicle license stickers. If participants are unaware of DMV rules and regulations, Rangers educate them and/or send them back to the DMV or back to camp if the DMV is closed. If vehicles / participants repeatedly violate DMV rules, the vehicle may be sent to Long-Term Parking outside the Gate.
All Rangers are empowered to prevent vehicles from endangering pedestrians, bicyclists and campsites and can establish radio contact with the Intercept Team if necessary. Rangers watch for vehicles operating unsafely in Black Rock City and attempt to Ranger the situation. They are encouraged to use their best judgment in determining whether a vehicle is posing a safety hazard. The guidelines for vehicles given to Rangers are:
Vehicles should travel at a safe (around 5 mph or less) speed; dust trails are a good indication of excessive speed
Vehicles should not operate during whiteouts
Vehicles should not operate on the esplanade or pedestrian walkways (except for law enforcement)
Vehicles should not be operated while under the influence
Vehicles must be licensed
Rangers do not chase vehicles. They are instructed to radio other Rangers with the location and trajectory of the vehicle to see if anyone else is ahead of it, or just yell ahead to participants to get them to stop the vehicle. Intercept is available to assist Rangers if needed for vehicles on the inner playa.
The protocol for advising a vehicle operating unsafely is:
Educate - simply advise operators on the guidelines for safe operation and explain that community safety is important
Escort - for repeat offenders or bad excuses, offer to escort a vehicle - to the DMV for a sticker, or back to camp for the night
Eject - repeat offenses or bad violations of guidelines can earn a vehicle a trip to “Long-Term Parking” outside the city gates, where it can safely stay for the rest of the event
VEHICLE Stickers
The Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) and the Artery
issue stickers to place on vehicles registered and permitted to operate
on the playa. There are several types of stickers that allow operation in
4 different conditions (the various stickers are on display at Ranger HQ and the DMV for reference):
Day - permitted to operate during daylight hours
Night - permitted to operate during night hours
Open playa only - no operation on the streets of the city
Flame effects - permitted to operate pyro effects!
Artist are permitted to drive to and from art installations with paper licenses that define a limited window for operation.
License Stickers are permits for vehicles, not drivers.
Ranger training establishes the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) as responsible for licensing Mutant Vehicles for driving at Black Rock City, and for communicating with and educating the Mutant Vehicle/Art Car communities, year-round, on issues that affect them.
Vehicles at Black Rock City
>From 1993 through 1996 driving at Burning Man was unrestricted and art cars were a popular form of creative and expressive transportation between far reaching points of the playa. After a participant was severely injured in an auto accident in 1996, the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) was created to address the challenges associated with driving during Burning Man and the growing number of people and problems associated with vehicles being driven in an unsafe manner during the event. The development of a DMV was seen as the only alternative to banning outright the movement of all vehicles and a way to preserve the opportunity for operation of Mutant Vehicles at Burning Man.
Black Rock City (BRC) underwent a transformation as roadways were created and the community discovered that relying on cars to get around had reproduced a too-familiar world of personal convenience. Motorized Vehicles were designed out of Black Rock City transportation, so that a pedestrian and bike culture could emerge.
The Department of Mutant Vehicles was created so that Mutant Vehicles could continue to operate and be (1) approved for entrance into the event (2) inspected (3) licensed and (4) registered for authorized operation as required by the BRC Supplementary Rules and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Special Stipulations. The driving regulations do not reflect a collaboration or mandate imposed by law enforcement organizations. The decision to place a greater emphasis on vehicle operation is in response to the innumerable complaints expressed by participants both during the event as well as input submitted throughout the year around issues of safety. The rules for driving on the playa have not changed. The amount of emphasis being placed on those regulations has. It is about taking responsibility for ourselves when we need to.
Deciding which vehicles get licensed and which ones don't is one of the hardest volunteer responsibilities in the Burning Man community. Not every vehicle that applies for a license can (or should) be licensed. The survival of Burning Man relies in part on its participants embracing the pedestrian and bicycle nature of the event and leaving the car culture in the default world. Yearly the DMV receives over a thousand applications for an invitation to bring a Mutant Vehicle. Approximately 500 are licensed each year, an amount which strikes a balance with the static art displayed on the open playa, safety and pedestrian concerns. Burning Man is actively encouraging people to get away from their reliance on motorized vehicles for transportation and travel by foot or bike. Mutant Vehicles to receive licenses are typically radical creations that are enhanced by motion. They combine visual display and high participation factor for a community contribution that
exceeds the individual benefit of motive transportation. If personal convenience and transportation appear to be the primary goal and motivation, it is unlikely that the applicant’s vehicle will be licensed for operation at Black Rock City.
BLM Special Stipulations
“Operation of motorized vehicles within the event area is prohibited. Exceptions to this prohibition are: mutant vehicles registered with BRC, BRC staff and support, medical, firefighting, motorized skateboards (go-peds) with or without handles, and disabled permitted vehicles. All vehicles shall be operated in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and stipulations, and in accordance with supplementary rules developed by BRC. In accordance with 43 CFR 8343 requirements, all motorized vehicles will be equipped with adequate front and rear lighting during night hours, and must be operating in a safe manner. Such use shall be restricted to open streets within the City. All Mutant Vehicles and staff vehicles registered with BRC, shall display their authorization so that it is visible to the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.”
BRC Supplementary Rules
Pre-registration approval for Mutant Vehicle entrance into the event is MANDATORY. Applicants must comply with all DMV pre-registration guidelines and deadlines. Online Mutant Vehicle pre-registration is required and includes reading and understanding all information about Mutant Vehicles on the playa, filling out the online application and agreeing in advance to honor BRC driving protocols.
Black Rock City Driving Protocols
1) Do not drive a motorized vehicle without a DMV license.
2) Abide by all applicable federal and Nevada state laws for road safety.
3) Stop immediately upon being hailed by any BRC Staff member, Black Rock Ranger, or law enforcement officer.
4) Drive at a speed of 5 mph or less, if kicking up dust, or in hazardous situations such as tight crowds.
5) Mutant Vehicles must come to a complete stop and remain stopped during whiteouts.
6) Give the right of way to pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency services vehicles.
7) Don't drive in pedestrian-designated roads, on walkways, the Esplanade or in Center Camp.
8) Don't drive if you are chemically impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
9) Mutant Vehicles must create a clear field of vision for the operator and have walkers if the vehicle is large or has a limited field of vision.
10) Have safe procedures for loading and unloading passengers and always come to a complete stop before anyone gets on or off the vehicle.
11) Do not drive erratically (swerving; stopping and starting quickly).
12) Mutant Vehicles 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, and camping areas they are to turn down the sound to an appropriate level. They must also be conscience and respectful of art installations on the open playa and stationary entertainment venues by reducing the volume as they approach.
Mutant Vehicle Criteria
Burning Man defines a Mutant Vehicle as a motorized conveyance that represents a visually stimulating, whimsical, beautiful or surreal image, combined with a highly participatory community service enhanced by motion. Mutant Vehicles exhibiting limited performance or community service potential should not represent a dominant visual image of a commercially manufactured base vehicle.
Mutant Vehicle licenses
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. 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 licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to operate on city streets (with the exception of pedestrian-designated streets) and on the open playa.
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 licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City during the daytime.
Night licenses allow Mutant Vehicles to move around Black Rock City at night. To receive a night license, Mutant Vehicles and trailers must be fully illuminated and should define the exterior portions, body projections and trailer connecting bars for visual recognition and avoidance.
Mutant Vehicles must fulfill the intent described in the approved Pre-registration application.
Mutant Vehicles should not mimic any type of emergency services or law enforcement vehicle.
Mutant Vehicle trailers are issued licenses separately and must be present during inspection.
Mutant Vehicle licenses shall be applied on a visible lower left-side section of the rear of the vehicle .
Mutant Vehicle Safety
The applicant is solely accountable for all Mutant Vehicle safety cautions and considerations and is legally responsible for all aspects of safety; including but not limited to the Mutant Vehicle's design, engineering, construction, passenger capacity, safety procedures, operation and structural / mechanical integrity. Applicants must provide for and maintain functioning brakes, controllable speed, and adequate lighting.
Mutant Vehicle Criteria Guidelines
A small but visible percentage of Black Rock City’s population participates by becoming part of the Mutant Vehicle community. Mutant Vehicles can be almost as hard to describe as they are to define in a pass or fail check list, so broad interpretations based on liberally defined perimeters allow creations of varying community contributions. The primary considerations based on the BRC Supplementary Rules developed for Mutant Vehicle are that they exhibit one or all features of being highly participatory, visually stimulating, and whimsically beautiful or surreal contribution to Black Rock City. The DMV makes every effort to only license vehicles that offer something exceptional to the community.
Art Cars in contrast to Burning Man Mutant Vehicles have become so common in creation and everyday life that "Obsessive Collection", mosaic style or graphic painted vehicles that still retain the base shape of a commercially manufactured conveyance may not be considered Mutant Vehicles. Art Cars, similar to custom cars or motorcycles have unlimited venues for display due to their ability to drive on public streets.
Does the dominant image project a desire to intrigue or just travel? Consider the limited community contribution of Mutant Vehicles that lack a basic strong conceptual direction towards visual or participatory elements and project a dominant base vehicle as foremost a means of travel and a viewing platform. Many examples of licensed vehicles in past years are no longer considered Mutant Vehicles as the community and DMV raises the bar and our expectations.
Mass Produced novelty vehicles are not Burning Man Mutant Vehicles. Shriner mini cars, motorized bar stools, cooler trikes, and mini motorcycles represent typical mass produced vehicles that are not Burning Man Mutant Vehicles. With so many participants applying for licensing of truly one of a kind Mutants, who wants to see a vehicle not created from the mind of the applicants or one that just copies someone else’s idea to the point of saturation and familiarity.
Exceptional mutant’s command undistracted community interest when operating and their contribution is enhanced by motion and motive power. Consider attributes exceptional Mutant Vehicles. Does it draw a crowd just sitting still and does every eye and person gravitate towards it? Does the creation defy duplication? Successful Mutant Vehicles are likely to convey an image from a distance and be enhanced by motion. Minimal occupant Mutant Vehicles should offer unique images other than a vehicle where the dominant feature and shape is still a golf cart, ATV, motorcycle or other mass produced conveyance.
Custom built vehicles that primarily communicate engineering craftsmanship in details that are appreciated up close and while the creation is not moving, may benefit the community more as a static display.
Mutant Vehicles can overcome base vehicle recognition with a high level of community involvement by combining mechanical craftsmanship, with social interaction and transportation for the entire community’s enjoyment.
The following vehicles are not allowed, under any circumstances, to drive in Black Rock City. Operating these vehicles at Burning Man can result in the vehicle being impounded, fined by law enforcement and/or ejected from the event.
Non-Mutated ATVs, Quad Runners, Go-Carts, dune buggies, Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, 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.
Vehicles only stripped to the frame and engine or street vehicles with minimal changes or temporary decorations.
Low riders, classic cars, custom motorcycles, monster trucks, and hot rods (there are other venues for these vehicles to be appreciated) Vehicles that have not met the DMV licensing criteria and unlicensed Mutant Vehicles. Wind-Powered Vehicles that Do Not Conform to the Wind-Powered Guidelines. Kite-sailing vehicles, land yachts, and wind-powered vehicles that have a fixed mast and weigh more than 50 pounds are not allowed to operate within Black Rock City.
Flame Effects
If the Mutant Vehicle incorporates flame effects, it will need to go through an additional inspection. These licenses allow Mutant Vehicles that incorporate flame effects to use these effects on the playa.
Scooters
Certain types of motorized scooters, skateboards and go-peds with or without handles are allowed to traverse Black Rock City without needing a license. Small, stand-up (no seat), one-person style scooters, (e.g. Go-Peds) are allowed at Black Rock City, but they are subject to the same rules as any other motorized vehicles – drive 5 MPH and have front and rear lights at night.
DMV volunteer “HOTTIES” and Black Rock Rangers represent community do-ocracy in support of mutant vehicle creators.
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Re: Vehicles at Black Rock City
Sun, July 6, 2008 - 10:51 PM2008 DMV On Playa Operations for Mutant Vehicle Applicants
In service to the Burning Man community since 1997, your 2008 Department of Mutant Vehicle volunteer “Hotties” are working as a team to review the unique and radical Mutant Vehicle (MV) creations for approved operation on the playa. Licensing a Mutant Vehicle is a multi-step process with Fluffer, Pitboss, Photographer, Hotties and Tech all working together so that a select group of Black Rock City’s population can amaze the community with visual and interactive motive creations.
The “Fluffer” volunteer is the first Hottie most applicants will meet. With an emphasis on customer service, the Fluffer will greet and direct incoming applicants to the right resource, answer questions and queue up the creators for the “Pitboss” table, where the review gets underway with the paper work side of the process.
The invitation is reviewed by the Pitboss who pulls the vehicles application and places it in the “Photographer” Hottie’s queue box and the applicant is asked to take a seat in the DMV waiting area until the Hottie Photographer pulls their application, calls out for the applicant, and accompanies the creator to the MV in order for images of the Mutant Vehicle to be taken and recorded in the DMV / Black Rock Ranger computer data base.
The Hottie Photographer returns the application to the Pitboss table and places it in the Hottie "review team" queue box and the applicant is asked to again take a seat in the DMV waiting area until they are called. The volunteers ask that you please be considerate of us and stay in the DMV waiting area until called. We greatly appreciate your cooperation by staying in the cool shade verses the alternative of Hotties going out in the sun to find you and your machine.
In a short time a team of reviewing Hotties will pull your application from the queue box, call out for you and perform a visual inspection of the Mutant Vehicle for:
- Adherence to the original MV application design
- Review of the Applicant’s safety considerations
- That the MV meets current MV licensing guidelines
- Adequate lighting is provided for night time operation
Approved Mutant Vehicles will then have a number assigned and license issued and applied by the Hotties on the MV and associated trailers. Vehicles not approved for operation will be asked to return to the applicants camp for static display or in some cases, removed from the event to an impound area adjacent to the gate.
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We want the community to understand that the alternative to not having a DMV was the elimination of Mutant Vehicles from the event. Hotties are here to support your ability to create and showcase your motive display. Please help us, help you:
Arrive for your first inspection during the day. Even if only applying for night operation.
Bring your gate invitation to assist us in quick processing.
Stay in the DMV waiting area until called. Please don’t return to your vehicle.
Be ready for your review with a completed mutation and all trailers attached. We will not be performing multiple inspections of works in progress.
Be prepared for the process to take some time and allow for the possibility of delays due to a number of applicants arriving at the same time.
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Some Hottie's are volunteers behind the scene. The “Tech” Hotties process the on playa information and images into the electronic database that already contains your personal and Mutant Vehicle information supplied during the pre-playa process.
A “Shift Lead” supervisor Hottie is an experienced volunteer who is responsible for opening and closing the DMV, ensuring adequate staffing levels are met and troubleshooting licensing issues referred by inspecting Hottie teams. The Shift Lead is primarily concerned with the smooth running of the DMV, and for caring for front-line staff members. The Shift Lead reports directly to the Hottie of the Day.
The Hottie of the Day (HOTD) is also an experienced volunteer, well-versed in the year-round and on-playa operational responsibilities of the DMV. The HOTD's primary responsibility is to ensure the Shift Supervisor is supported in troubleshooting processing problems as a link in the chain of command, above the Shift Lead. The Hottie of the Day is essentially the top-level operational supervisor for resolving significant issues at the DMV.
The DMV Department Manager is the person ultimately responsible for all aspects of the DMV year-round. On-Playa, they are responsible to interact with other departments and with outside agencies, and to ensure the DMV generally is performing the function it is set up to do.
All these great people come together, work as a team and assist the Mutant Vehicle community by volunteering thousands of hours both on and off the playa. Please consider joining us. Our volunteers represent you and the entire BRC community.
