Nevada Points Burning Man Journey Warning

Nevada has issued a warning forward of Burning Man, telling folks to not present unlicensed transportation to people attending the competition.

Newsweek has reached out to the Nevada Transportation Authority outdoors of normal working hours through e-mail for remark.

Why It Matters

Burning Man is a weeklong occasion held within the desert, the place members create artwork, actions and occasions. It started in 1986 and was initially an underground gathering related to bohemian sorts.

The competition takes place within the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. It is held particularly at Black Rock City, a brief metropolis which is constructed for the occasion. Burning Man has a giant emphasis on inclusivity and group, and the occasion’s title comes from a ceremony on the penultimate night time, when an effigy is burned.

Over the years, attendance has grown, with 72,000 attending in 2025, in response to the Black Rock City Census, performed by the Burning Man Organization. And the individuals who go to Burning Man have modified, too, with influencers, celebrities, and elites more and more attending the occasion. This yr’s set up is ready to start on August 24

What To Know

The Nevada Transportation Authority has reminded folks forward of Burning Man that offering or accepting paid transportation and not using a license is illegitimate.

In a press launch, the authority mentioned {that a} license is required for anybody offering transportation providers to the general public and receiving compensation for it.

This additionally applies to rideshare drivers who’re providing money rides off the apps they usually function on, and the authority famous that this too, is breaking the legislation. “Individuals that drive off app and get into an accident are considered uninsured drivers and risk personal liability for any accidents or injuries that may occur while a passenger is present,” the authority mentioned in a press launch.

And violating the principles comes with a severe penalty—if people are discovered to be working a for-hire transportation service and not using a allow, they could possibly be punished with a tremendous of as much as $10,000 and have their automobile impounded.

Festival goers must be conscious that any cash altering fingers following transportation could possibly be deemed an offense. Todd Park, interim NTA Deputy Commissioner, mentioned in a press launch, “If you’re offering a ride to help someone out, that’s one thing. But if you’re charging money even if it’s ‘just to cover gas’ you could be breaking the law.”

“We know civic responsibility is a core principle of the burner culture and we don’t want anyone’s experience to end with a ticket or a towed car,” Park mentioned.

Festival goers are inspired to make use of ride-hailing apps, licensed taxis, bus carriers, or different accepted sorts of transportation.

What People Are Saying

Todd Park, interim NTA Deputy Commissioner, mentioned in a press launch: “We know there’s a strong spirit of community and sharing at Burning Man, but when money changes hands for a ride, it becomes a regulated activity … Unlicensed transportation puts passengers at serious risk.”

What’s Next

Burning Man will run till September 1.