Rules & Etiquette

Consent is the foundation of all interactions at Burning Man. This applies to everything — not just physical contact.

• Always ask before touching someone — even for a hug. "May I hug you?" is the standard greeting.
• Ask before photographing people — many participants do not want their photos taken or shared online.
• Respect "no" without question — no means no, always, in every context.
• Do not enter camps uninvited — if a camp has a boundary, respect it.
• Intoxication does not excuse behavior — you are responsible for your actions regardless.

• Always ask permission before photographing or filming anyone.
• Do not post photos of identifiable people without their explicit consent.
• No drones — drones are strictly prohibited at Burning Man for safety and privacy reasons.
• No commercial photography — professional shoots require a permit from the Burning Man organization.
• Respect the "What happens on the playa stays on the playa" ethos — many people express themselves in ways they would not in their daily lives.

MOOP = Matter Out Of Place. This is taken extremely seriously at Burning Man.

• Pick up everything — even tiny items like cigarette butts, glitter, feathers, and sequins.
• No dumping gray water — all water runoff must be contained and packed out.
• No burning anything on the ground — all burns must be in elevated fire pits with burn blankets.
• MOOP sweep your camp before leaving — get on your hands and knees and pick up every tiny piece.
• Pack out all trash — there are no trash cans or dumpsters at Burning Man.

• Speed limit is 5 mph in Black Rock City and 10 mph on the open playa.
• Lock your bike — bike theft is the most common crime at Burning Man.
• Light your bike at night — front, back, and sides. Unlit bikes are dangerous.
• Art cars must be licensed by the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles) to drive on the playa.
• No driving under the influence — law enforcement is present and DUI laws apply.

Burning Man takes place on federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Federal, state, and local laws all apply.

• Law enforcement is present — BLM rangers, Pershing County Sheriff, and undercover officers patrol the event.
• Drug possession is a federal offense on BLM land and is actively enforced.
• Open containers of alcohol are permitted within Black Rock City but not while driving.
• Fireworks are prohibited — the fire risk is extreme in the dry desert.
• Black Rock Rangers are volunteer community mediators (not law enforcement) who can help resolve conflicts.

• Large sound systems must be placed on the 2:00 and 10:00 sides of the city (the "loud" side).
• Residential areas (inner streets) have quiet hours — respect your neighbors.
• If your camp has amplified sound, point speakers toward the open playa, not toward other camps.
• Be considerate with generators — use quiet models and run them during reasonable hours.