VEHICLES AT BURNING MAN
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 was created in 1997 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).
Simply put, there are too many vehicles on the road at Burning Man.
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.
Below is a list of the types of vehicles that can and cannot move around Black Rock City. In a nutshell: the only vehicles that should be driven at Burning Man are radical examples of vehicle mutation or participation, service vehicles, and vehicles for folks who have a physical disability. For more information, visit BRC Vehicle Protocols.
What Vehicles Are Allowed?
Bicycles!
Bikes are The Number One way to get around Black Rock City. On a bicycle, you are able to be fully present with your environment. Get on your bikes and ride!
Staff, Emergency Services, and Local Agency Vehicles
These vehicles are crucial to the safety and functioning of our event.
Mutant Vehicles
Mutant Vehicles are "art on wheels": radically, stunningly, (usually) permanently, and safely modified motorized vehicles. Larry Harvey likens Mutant Vehicles to "sublimely beautiful works of art floating across the playa like a Miro painting." Get the picture? Registered and licensed by the DMV, these vehicles are an important part of the Burning Man experience.
Vehicles for People with Disabilities
If you have a physical disability, you should be able to receive a disabled license from the DMV. Pre-registration is necessary. Please go here to find out more about vehicles and transportation for those with disabilities. If you have questions, please contact the DMV.
Certain Wind-Powered Vehicles
Wind-powered vehicles that are allowed to operate within Black Rock City must meet certain criteria. They must have a pivoting mast, must operate while the sailor is in a standing position, and must weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Scooters
Though not an encouraged means of transportation, certain types of scooters 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. Some of these vehicles do have a trademark — a very distinctive, and to many, annoying sound. We encourage you to use an electric model, one with a muffler, or other style that does not have that loud "buzzzzzz". And remember, riders must obey the same speed and safety rules as other vehicle drivers.
What Vehicles Are Verboten (Like, Totally Forbidden)?
The following vehicles are not allowed, under any circumstances, to drive in Black Rock City. Be aware that operating these vehicles at Burning Man can result in your vehicle being impounded, and you being fined by law enforcement and/or ejected from the event.
Non-Mutated ATVs, Quad Runners, Go-Carts, Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes (you get the picture) — Leave These at Home!
If you attempt to bring this type of recreational vehicle to Burning Man, be advised that you will be required to leave it at the Gate. If a motorcycle is your means of transportation to Burning Man, you can enter Black Rock City; your motorcycle must remain parked at your camp during the event.
Unlicensed Mutant Vehicles
The only Mutant Vehicles allowed to enter Black Rock City are those that have received an email from the DMV inviting the vehicle to go through final inspection on the playa for a Mutant Vehicle license. The only unlicensed Mutant Vehicles driving on the playa should be the ones en route to the DMV for inspection. It is possible that a Mutant Vehicle that has been invited to Black Rock City will not actually qualify for a license. In this instance, the Mutant Vehicle must remain parked at your camp for the duration of the event.
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. You may take your wind-powered vehicle to the Black Rock Airport and operate/store it there. 
