June 30th is the last day to submit an application

~~~~ DMV Hotties ~~~ Service to the community since 1997 ~~~

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” represent community do-ocracy in support of mutant vehicle creators.
posted by Unknown on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - link to this photo
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