Accessibility Vehicle Operator’s Handbook

Accessibility Vehicle Operator’s Handbook (AV FAQ)
THIS HANDBOOK IS REQUIRED READING!
PRE-EVENT
Understanding Accessibility Vehicle Criteria
Accessibility Vehicle Licensing
Vehicles Not Allowed as AVs
Vehicles That Do Not Require Licenses
Vehicle Passes for Accessibility Vehicles
Fuel for Accessibility Vehicles
ON-PLAYA
ENTERING BLACK ROCK CITY
VEHICLE INSPECTION IN BLACK ROCK CITY
DMV LOCATION
DMV HOURS OF OPERATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLE INSPECTION
LICENSE STICKERS
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE IN BLACK ROCK CITY
DRIVING AT THE EVENT WITHOUT A DMV LICENSE
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
ON-PLAYA OPERATING POLICIES
SAFETY RULES
LITHIUM-ION (LI-ON) BATTERY SAFETY
NO DRIVING AREAS
ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLE GUIDELINES DURING BURN EVENTS
SOUND POLICY
A Vehicle Sound Policy We Can All Understand and Live With
TL;DR version
The Policy
SERVING FOOD OR ALCOHOL
LOST AND FOUND
THANK YOU!

This comprehensive handbook is designed to guide participants with physical disabilities through the process of bringing and safely operating an Accessibility Vehicle (AV) at Burning Man. It addresses frequently asked questions by the Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV) regarding AV licensing and operation.

An Accessibility Vehicle (AV) license is issued by the Burning Man DMV to individuals with physical disabilities. Pre-registration for an AV license is highly recommended. It will save you time on the playa by reducing the need to fill out forms, and it is required for towed vehicles to avoid delays at the gate.

It is important to note that Accessibility Vehicles driven into the event require a vehicle pass. However, towed vehicles like golf carts or ATVs do not need a vehicle pass.

This handbook is mandatory reading for all AV operators as it contains essential information that will be updated throughout the year. Invited AV operators will be notified when the final PDF version is published for download, and it is recommended to bring either a printed or electronic copy to Burning Man for easy reference.

For general information regarding vehicles at Burning Man, go here.
 For information on bringing a Mutant Vehicle to Burning Man, go here.
 For information regarding Vehicle Passes, go here.
 For Accessibility Vehicle Application go here.

THIS HANDBOOK IS REQUIRED READING!

 

This handbook contains essential information that every Accessibility Vehicle operator needs to know and understand. We will update it throughout the year, and we’ll notify all invited Accessibility Vehicles when the final PDF version is published and ready for download. You’ll want to bring either a printed or electronic copy with you to Burning Man for easy reference.

PRE-EVENT

Understanding Accessibility Vehicle Criteria

We’re here to provide clear communication every step of the way. Our detailed Accessibility Vehicle criteria are available year-round, and the DMV team is always ready to answer your questions.

This is an overview of how to register your vehicle for use at Burning Man as an AV.

  1. Read the Black Rock City Vehicle Protocols and Driving Rules at Burning Man.
  2. Meet the Burning Man DMV’s Accessibility Vehicle License Criteria (below).
  3. Pre-register your vehicle through our online application form.   All vehicles should be pre-registered through this form to be considered for on-playa licensing (see link at bottom of this page).
  4. Bring your vehicle to the Burning Man DMV at Black Rock City for final vehicle inspection.
  5. Once licensed, the person registering the AV MUST be in the vehicle any time it is driven in Black Rock City.  Others cannot drive the vehicle without the person needing accessibility support in the vehicle.
  6. Up to three people may register the same AV and only one of them needs to be in the vehicle when it is in use.

Accessibility Vehicle Licensing

Example Disability Placards & License Plate
  • Registrants for Accessibility Vehicles must provide a government-issued ID, Placard, or License plate. We require this documentation because we are not in a position to gauge what constitutes a physical disability. We should note that for folks with recent injuries or limited movement of a temporary nature, it has been our experience that most doctors will sign off on a temporary placard for an event such as Burning Man.
  • If providing a Disability Placard or License Plate, we will need the additional Disability documentation as noted below
  • Disability Documentation
    • If your placard shows your name, please send an image of the side with your name.
    • If your placard shows your driver’s license number, please send an image of the corresponding driver’s license.
    • If your placard (or License Plate) has no personally identifiable information, please provide one of the following:
      • The letter or receipt from your State DMV that accompanied your placard or License Plate and shows your name.
      • A copy of the Disability Placard application form signed by your doctor.
      • An image of a government-issued Disability ID card, such as a Veteran’s Benefit card.
      • An Electronic Receipt from your State DMV showing submission of a Disability Placard application.
Examples of Disability documentation
  • RECENT INJURIES
    • In cases where a the accessibility need is due to an injury that happens after the registration deadline and/or is too recent to obtain a Disability Placard/ID :
      • Have your doctor fill out a Disability Placard application form.  
      • Submit the form to your local DMV and provide a copy of the signed form and your local DMV Receipt in your Accessibility Vehicle Application in lieu of an actual placard or ID.
      • If it is after the deadline for pre-registration, please email dmv@burningman.org for assistance.
  • A standard of safety for your vehicle and its occupants
  • Physical inspection and a photograph of the vehicle on the playa
  • Past behavior
  • Current behavior (violating driving rules at Burning Man is cause for revocation of your Accessibility Vehicle license, ejection of the vehicle and/or the operator from the event)
  • While decorating your vehicle is always appreciated, it is NOT REQUIRED that an Accessibility Vehicle be decorated or modified.

Vehicles Not Allowed as AVs

The following vehicles are disallowed as Accessibility Vehicles:

  • Vehicles larger than standard-sized pickup trucks/SUVs
  • Vehicles should be no greater than 20 feet in length or 7 feet in width
  • Vehicles with multiple levels
  • Vehicles with trailers (unless required as an accessibility aid)
  • RVs/ Motorhomes

Vehicles That Do Not Require Licenses

The following vehicles do not require licensing to be used as Accessibility Vehicles (by persons with disabilities) :

  • Electric Wheelchairs
  • 3 & 4 wheeled Mobility Scooters like the kinds shown below.

For other powered vehicles that do not require licensing to be used at Burning Man, please see:

https://burningman.org/event/art-performance/mutant-vehicles/vehicle-rules-and-protocols/#powered

The use of flame effects on vehicles operated by participants with accessibility needs at Burning Man requires special arrangements. If you are able to control your flame effect or if you have made special arrangements that would allow you to operate your effect safely, please contact dmv-flame-effects@burningman.org to discuss this matter with us.

All general questions regarding licensing can be sent to the DMV at dmv@burningman.org.

Vehicle Passes for Accessibility Vehicles

Every vehicle actively driven into the event requires a Vehicle Pass.   If you are using the vehicle you are driving into the event as your Accessibility Vehicle, it will require a Vehicle Pass.

Invited Accessibility Vehicles that are being brought in on a trailer, do NOT require a Vehicle Pass. They must still be pre-registered and you must bring the DMV Invite Letter to show to the gate.

Fuel for Accessibility Vehicles

Accessibility Vehicle (AV) operators requiring fuel on playa should familiarize themselves with the Black Rock City (BRC) Fuel Program. This program provides access to gasoline and diesel for registered Accessibility Vehicles.

Key Information:

  • Registration is Required: To access fuel, your Mutant Vehicle must be registered and approved by the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles).
  • Fuel Types: The BRC Fuel Program typically offers gasoline and diesel.
  • Access and Logistics: The BRC Fuel Program page provides details on fuel locations, hours of operation, payment methods, and any specific requirements.

For detailed information and signup procedures, please refer to the official BRC Fuel Program page:

https://burningman.org/event/preparation/black-rock-city-guide/infrastructure/brc-fuel-program/

Important Note: Planning your fuel needs in advance is crucial for a smooth experience. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and that you understand the fuel program’s guidelines.

First Step: Register Your Vehicle

After you have read and understood all of the above sections, go to the following web page for this year’s exact registration dates and click on the Accessibility Vehicle Application link to fill out an application.

Black Rock City Participation Forms

If you have ANY questions about the Accessibility Vehicle criteria or licensing, please email us at dmv@burningman.org.

ON-PLAYA

ENTERING BLACK ROCK CITY

Here are the steps for bringing an Accessibility Vehicle into Black Rock City:

  • If you are driving your Accessibility Vehicle in yourself:
    • No special steps are needed at the gate.
  • If you are towing your Accessibility Vehicle in yourself:
    • You must show the gate staff your DMV Invite email to be allowed entry with the towed vehicle.
  • If someone else is towing your Accessibility Vehicle for you:
    • The person towing your vehicle must have both a copy of your DMV Invite email and a copy of your proof of disability (such as your Disabled parking placard, or Disability ID).

VEHICLE INSPECTION IN BLACK ROCK CITY

When you are ready to start driving your vehicle on the playa, make the DMV your very first stop and bring your DMV invite letter with you. Once at the DMV, the DMV crew will check your Disability paperwork and confirm that your vehicle meets the criteria for a license and provide your vehicle with a license sticker and flag to designate it as licensed to drive at the event.

Up to three different people who qualify for using an AV can share the same vehicle, and only one of them needs to be in the vehicle when it is in use.  Each person must be present and all must bring their Disability paperwork to the DMV for the Vehicle Inspection.

NOTE:  In general, unless there is a problem with the type of vehicle, the vehicle’s ability to safely operate, or an issue with the registrant’s past behavior, the DMV will usually approve all qualified Accessibility Vehicle applications.

DMV LOCATION

(Not to scale)

The DMV inspection area is located on the open playa, approximately 100 feet from the corner of the Esplanade and the 1:00 side of the Center Camp Keyhole. The line begins at the Greeter Station, which is closer to the man. When you arrive at the station, a Greeter will meet you, photograph you and your vehicle and direct you into an inspection lane.

The person registering the Mutant Vehicle must bring a valid Driver’s License or other Government-issued photo ID, or a photo or image of one, to be able to register and receive their AV License.

DMV HOURS OF OPERATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLE INSPECTION

The DMV hours for 2025

NOTE:  Saturday 08/23 – Monday, 08/25 the DMV will open 11:30 am – 1:00 pm for ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLES ONLY.

SATURDAY, 08/23 11:30 am  – 10:30 pm
SUNDAY,  08/24 11:30 am  – 10:30 pm
MONDAY,  08/25 11:30 am  – 10:30 pm
TUESDAY,  08/26 11:30 am  – 10:30 pm
WEDNESDAY, 08/27 11:30 am  – 10:30 pm
THURSDAY,  08/28 3:30 pm  –  8:30 pm
FRIDAY,  08/29 3:30 pm  –  8:30 pm

LICENSE STICKERS

Licenses are a 12″ x  3″ bumper sticker to be placed on the rear left side (MANDATORY).

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE IN BLACK ROCK CITY

Driving at the Event Without a DMV License

Once your Accessibility Vehicle is ready for operation, your first stop is the DMV. If a Ranger or law enforcement officer sees you driving without an Accessibility License, and you are not obviously on your way to the DMV for inspection, you will be directed back to your campsite and risk ejection of your vehicle.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Please be aware that failure to follow Black Rock City’s driving rules can have serious consequences, including…

  • Revocation of your Accessibility Vehicle license
  • Ejection of the vehicle from the event
  • Fines
  • Ejection of the vehicle’s owner from the event without a refund
  • Possible denial of future Accessibility Vehicle Licensing

ON-PLAYA OPERATING POLICIES

The decision of whether or not to invite and/or grant a license for an AccessibilityVehicle to operate at Burning Man is within the sole discretion of the Black Rock City DMV, and it may revoke any issued license for any reason. Licensees agree to obey BRC driving rules as part of the original application You will sign an additional paper copy of the agreement again at your on-Playa inspection at the DMV.

Here is a reminder of some of our core driving policies:.

  • Driver Must Be Sober: Only operate your vehicle when the driver and operational crew is/are completely sober and not impaired or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any other intoxicating controlled substance.
  • Be Respectful: Treat DMV volunteers, other Burning Man Project team members, and law enforcement personnel respectfully.
  • Drive Slowly: Keep your speed at 5 mph or slower and reduce speed if creating dust or in hazardous conditions.
  • Yield to Others: Give pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles the right of way.
  • Stay on Approved Routes: you may cross but avoid driving on: Esplanade, the Promenades at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00.
  • Accessibility Vehicles may drive within the Great Circle around The Man (check the provided map for details).
  • Weather Conditions: Do not drive during whiteouts, rain, on wet playa, or during other hazardous conditions.
  • Respond to Rangers and Staff: Stop immediately if signaled by a Black Rock Ranger, Burning Man staff, or law enforcement.
  • Turn down your sound system while driving on city streets:
    • Be respectful and turn your music down while in the city… especially at night and/or in quiet areas (e.g. Kidsville). See MUTANT VEHICLE SOUND POLICY

SAFETY RULES

 

  • An AV must have effective headlights so the driver can see in front of them at night.
  • The driver must have an unobstructed view like any normal car or pickup would.  Decorations are optional: they must not significantly obstruct the view of the driver.
  • Accessibility Vehicles may not carry extra liquid fuel. 
  • Portable gas cans are not to be carried on Accessibility Vehicles unless the vehicle is traveling between the fueling station and camp..

LITHIUM-ION (LI-ON) BATTERY SAFETY

While Li-ion batteries offer many advantages, it is crucial to handle them with care. Please follow these guidelines..

For Mutant Vehicles using Li-ion batteries, the operator should:

  • Locate the batteries in an accessible place, away from passengers
  • Examine batteries every day; if any deformation occurs, contact the Black Rock Rangers to ask Emergency Services (ESD) for assistance.  You can flag down any Ranger or staff with a Radio to call for ESD assistance.
  • Understand batteries may rapidly go into a thermal runaway; this is often preceded by a loud “POP” followed by a noxious smoke – have people move away rapidly (fire drill)
    • A battery in thermal runaway may shoot high-temperature flames and even have projectiles – evacuation distance should be at least 100’ or more
    • Batteries in thermal runaway will continue to push other cells into thermal runaway

ESD (Emergency Services) will attempt to cool the battery if it has not gone into full conflagration. If possible to remove a damaged battery safely, ESD will contain the damaged battery and provide for disposal according to safe practices regarding these types of incidents.

Things that can cause a battery to go into thermal runaway:

  • Excessive heat (160 F may cause this to occur)
  • Overcharging
  • Excessive discharging
  • Any crushing or puncture of the battery envelope

Li-ion batteries are very safe, but they can become very unsafe under certain circumstances, as described above. A damaged battery can be managed safely by trained personnel. A battery in a thermal runaway is a very hostile and dangerous situation – it is most important to move away from the battery when the “pop” or smoke is identified.

NO DRIVING AREAS

Accessibility Vehicles may be driven on pedestrian-only streets, but should drive on the playa next to Esplanade and the Promenades at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00.  AVs may drive inside the Great Circle (the circle around the man). AVs must enter through the 3:00, 6:00 or 9:00 portals between the lamp posts.  You may not drive over the great circle except between the lamp posts.

Please remember that BRC is a pedestrian and bicycle city. While A is no longer limited to just pedestrians and bicycles, authorized vehicles displaying driving permit stickers, must take care when operating on ANY BRC street.

Accessibility Vehicles are welcome to operate in Center Camp.  

ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLE GUIDELINES DURING BURN EVENTS

Below are the guidelines for Accessibility Vehicle perimeters during the Man and Temple Burns and other large Burn events.

Small, cart-sized Accessibility Vehicles, whose seated participants cannot see over standing participants, may park at the rear of the participant crowd that is sitting on the playa, but may not group together in a way that might create a barrier.

Regular cars, vans and pickups used as AVs must park no closer than 150’ (50 paces), along with all the other similarly sized vehicles.

However, the Promenades around the Man and Temple at 3:00, 6:00. 9:00 and 12:00 are fire lanes, and for emergency vehicle access only. They are to remain clear of both participants, AVs and MVs before and during the burn event.

Please be mindful of the view of those around you when you place your Accessibility Vehicle.  If you think you might need to exit early, park much further from the Man.

Also, please keep clear participant and vehicle through-paths between your AV and the vehicles around you. The pathways should be wide enough for an emergency vehicle to pass through.

Ranger teams are available to help manage the through paths and to assist with vehicle placement concerns.

DURING THE BURN — FIRE WARNING

Every large Burn event has falling embers, usually between 12:00 and 3:00. These embers can, and have, set a decorated or mutated vehicle on fire.

If your AV is capable of catching fire from a heavy ember, place it away from where the prevailing winds might carry those embers.

If an ember falls on your AV, watch and protect it, and do not leave it unattended. If possible, and without endangering participants, move it out of the way staying within the 5-mph speed limit.

SOUND POLICY

A mutant vehicle in the shape of a trumpet at Burning Man 2022 (Photo courtesy of DMV)

A Vehicle Sound Policy We Can All Understand and Live With

Background

Face it; nobody comes to Burning Man for the peace ‘n quiet. Nobody!
We all have earplugs at the tippy-top of our packing lists because we know that BRC is a noisy place… and for many of us that is a key component of the attraction. That said, there’s also the expectation that some activities and some locations will be less noisy than others. As a community, we know that there needs to be a place for large-scale Mutant Vehicle sound & big dance clubs. However, there must also be a place for yoga classes, guided meditation workshops, karaoke, and piano bars.

Each one of us is personally responsible for how we affect the experiences of those around us. As a community, we need to continue to work together to keep sound at desirable levels, especially in and around the city streets and near sensitive projects and performances. 

Sound Policy

TL;DR version

 

  • DO play music while parked in your camp in compliance with Black Rock City’s Sound Policy. 
  • DO play music as loud as you want while in motion on the open playa.
  • DO Play as loud and as long as you want (up to 12 hours) within the DMZ. 
  • Do NOT play amplified music while driving in the city streets between 2:00 am and 10:00 am. 
  • DO be considerate of camps, art installations and their activities, especially near the Esplanade. Turn down your sound if other activities are already in progress.
  • Limit your stationary time (with music on) at art installations to 3 hours.
  • DO respect the Temple Burn.

The Policy

 

  1. City Street Quiet Hours:
    1. Yep, you read that right; Mutant Vehicles and AVs are not permitted to use amplified sound while driving through the streets of Black Rock City between the hours of 2:00 am and 10:00 am. This is perhaps the most significant change from past sound policies.
    2. During QuietHours, if an MV or AV has left its designated camp area and is en route to another location or parked within the city streets, the sound system must be off (“Off” is defined as; inaudible from outside the vehicle) until the vehicle returns to its camp or has entered the open playa and is at least 100 yards/meters from Esplanade. The QuietHours apply to all circular & radial streets, keyholes, plazas, and center camp.
    3. Acoustic music (un-amplified human voices, acoustic musical instruments, etc.) on moving vehicle is permitted during QuietHours.
    4. Between 10 am and 2 am, amplified sound is permitted within the city streets, but you should always be mindful of where you are located, how loud your sound is, and how it may be affecting others around you.
  2. A Mutant Vehicle or AV may use amplified sound while parked within its placed MV camp or placed theme camp:
    1. As long as you are within the boundaries of a Mutant Vehicle camp or Theme Camp area that was assigned to you by the Placement team or within a placed camp that has invited you to park in their camp, you may use your MV’s sound system as if it were a stationary installation in your camp. As with all stationary sound, you will be expected to comply with Black Rock City’s sound policy.
  3. You can play music (yes, even loud music) almost everywhere on the open playa. Some limitations apply:
    1. Mutant Vehicles and AVs may use amplified sound at any time of the day or night, without restriction on sound levels, in nearly all areas of the inner playa (the space within bound by the Esplanade and Temple) and outer playa (the space beyond the Temple, 2:00, and 10:00).
      1. LIMITATIONS:
        1. AVs and MVs may play amplified sound for no longer than 3 hours while parked in any one location. When parked at or near an art installation, you must ask the artist for consent prior to playing amplified sound.
        2. AV and MV operators & owners must be aware of the general nature of an art installation (e.g. if it’s meant to be a quiet, introspective project) and of any programming that may be taking place at the artwork before they approach, park, and/or play their own music at the installation.
        3. AVs and MVs must be respectful when passing and/or parking near The Temple, The Man, and at/near all art installations on the open playa.
        4. AVs and MVs must be respectful when using amplified sound within 100 yards of Esplanade and within 100 yards of the 2:00 and 10:00 radial streets unless agreed upon in partnership with camps facing those streets.
  4. As LOUD and as long* as you want! (*up to 12 hours):
    1. The Department of Mutant Vehicles has established a Deep-Playa Music Zone (“DMZ”) where Mutant Vehicles using large sound systems can park and party in the deep playa for extended periods of time. The zone is 5,340 feet from The Man between the 10:30 and 11:15 clock positions. The DMZ allows for a stay of up to 12 hours, and it provides sanitary stations and Emergency Medical Services. At just over 22 acres (960,698 sqft!) in area, the DMZ is large enough to support multiple large mutant vehicles simultaneously. Furthermore, there are NO volume or sound pressure limits in the DMZ (note, however, that speakers must be oriented to point away from the city).
      Go for it!
  5. Policy Violations: 
    1. A single violation of any of the above policies could result in the immediate revocation of the Mutant or Accessibility Vehicle’s current DMV license, and the vehicle will need to return to its camp location and remain parked there for the duration of the Burning Man event. A subsequent infraction could result in the vehicle being ejected from Black Rock City. Violations may affect future MV and AV registration.
  6. NO Mutant Vehicle or AV sound at Temple Burn:
    1. Mutant and Accessibility Vehicles must turn off their sound systems upon arrival at the Temple burn perimeter. Any use of amplified sound at the Temple Burn could result in the forfeiture of DMV licensing at future Burning Man events. Please don’t do it!
  7. Enforcement:
    1. The Mutant Vehicle and AV Sound Policy will be enforced by members of the DMV Council, members of the Placement Department, and the Black Rock Rangers. Members of each of these teams are authorized to issue warnings, revoke vehicle licenses, and/or request that a vehicle be ejected from the event site. Ejections will be processed by the Black Rock Rangers.

SERVING FOOD OR ALCOHOL

If you serve food or alcohol to the public from your Accessibility Vehicle, you may need a permit from the state of Nevada. Please visit the following website for more information: http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/Temp-E/Temporary_Events_Home/

It is a misdemeanor to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years old in Nevada.  The law applies if the alcohol is gifted or sold. Law Enforcement has been known to use sting operations. Know the laws about serving people alcohol and follow them, or you may end up being fined or arrested.

LOST AND FOUND

If you find any items left on your Accessibility Vehicle, the best way to help reunite them with their owners is to bring them to the on-playa Lost & Found, located near Center Camp (see BRC Map for exact location).

We encourage Accessibility Vehicle owners or drivers do regular sweeps of their vehicle throughout the event week. If you discover any lost items, please take a moment to drop them off at the official Lost & Found.

Taking items home after the event can significantly complicate and delay the process of reconnecting people with their belongings. The on-playa Lost & Found is specifically set up to manage these items and has a dedicated system for returns. Your cooperation helps ensure a better chance of lost items finding their way back to their rightful owners. Thank you for helping us keep the playa community connected!

THANK YOU!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and understanding all of the rules for Accessibility Vehicles.

If you have any questions about any of the material above, please contact the DMV at: dmv@burningman.org