The JRS: Law Enforcement Edition » BRC 2024

Volume 28, Issue #20 | July 26, 2024

If there's one thing you take away from this JRS, let it be this: All federal, state, and local laws still exist in Black Rock City. Numerous law enforcement agencies patrol BRC and the surrounding communities and roadways, and illegal action can lead to citation or arrest.

Law enforcement officers have a difficult job, on and off the playa. Please respect the valuable work they do keeping our city safe. It is the duty of all law enforcement personnel to enforce the law, and they are there to help protect our citizenry.

The Pershing County Sheriff and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are on site to enforce all applicable federal, state and local laws. The roads leading into and out of the event are patrolled by the Nevada State Police, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Pershing County Sheriff’s Office and the Pyramid Lake Police Department. It is not the mission of these agencies to police your lifestyle or inhibit self-expression. It is their duty to uphold the law — please cooperate. 

Obey all traffic laws and please drive with extra caution when entering communities such as Wadsworth, Nixon, Pyramid Lake, Empire and Gerlach. These towns have pedestrians, pets, and local traffic. Pay special attention to speed limits, as they can change quickly! In some cases, speed limits are marked with temporary signage and can be hard to see. Please give extra caution to road crews working on or repairing roads.   

Disclaimer: This Jackrabbit Speaks and the materials linked below provide information about laws and regulations applicable to activities within the Black Rock Desert in the State of Nevada during the Burning Man event, period. Legal information is not legal advice, and although we strive to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of the information here, you should consult with a lawyer if you want legal advice about a particular situation.

The Man burns in 36 days!

Getting Help With Emergencies

If you become a victim of a crime during the event, report it immediately. If there’s a life-threatening emergency in your camp, or you experience or encounter an emergency on playa, you have options to get help.

Read more about getting help with emergencies

Black Rock Rangers

Black Rock Rangers patrol the city, but they are not law enforcement. They are members of the Burning Man community, just like you. You can identify Rangers by their hats and khaki-colored attire featuring the Black Rock Ranger logo in brown on their backs and chests. You can request their assistance at any time for disputes, emergencies or questions. They can help get law enforcement, medical or fire dispatched. Black Rock Rangers rely on tools such as education, negotiation, and an appeal to the 10 Principles to resolve conflict. They are available 24/7 throughout Black Rock City, at Ranger Headquarters at 5:45 and Esplanade, and at the Ranger Outposts at the 3:00+C & 9:00+C plazas. 

Read more about Black Rock Rangers

Laws to be Aware of

• The use and possession of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia are violations of the law. The federal government does not recognize state laws decriminalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. 
• Certain prescription drugs must be transported with the prescription and kept in the bottle you received from the pharmacist at all times.
• Child safety is of the utmost importance in Black Rock City.
• Knowingly serving alcohol to minors is illegal.
• Lewd or lascivious behavior is prohibited in public spaces. What is public and what is private is not always easy to discern in Black Rock City, so err on the side of caution — especially when there are minors present. 
• Disorderly conduct is prohibited. 
• Fireworks are prohibited. 
• Possession or discharge of firearms or weapons is prohibited.
• Depositing any form of human waste on the playa is illegal.
• A full list of laws and requirements can be found in the Official 2024 Closure Order.
• Permits are required to visit Pyramid Lake beaches. Please pre-register and pay for your permit online before your visit.
• Nude swimming is not allowed at Pyramid Lake.
• If you're serving food or drinks to participants, or your camp feeds more than 125 campers, you're required to apply for a health permit with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.

Read more about specific laws to be aware of 

Traffic Laws: Drive Safely and Avoid Getting Pulled Over

• Always carry a driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle.
• Drive according to the posted speed limit at all times; slow down based on traffic conditions.
• Safely and securely attach your load to your vehicle while traveling to and from BRC — especially during heightened fire conditions. Watch for chains dragging behind your vehicle; they are a fire hazard.
• Do not follow closely behind any emergency vehicle with its emergency equipment activated. It’s a violation of law and unsafe. 
• License plates should be clearly visible and illuminated at night. Rear license plates cannot be blocked by bikes, bike racks, dirt or anything else.
• Have up-to-date, valid registration tags on your vehicle and trailer.
• If you're having trouble with your vehicle, pull safely off the roadway to avoid blocking traffic.
• Carry proof of current insurance for the vehicle you are operating.
• If you are driving a rental vehicle, have a copy of the rental agreement accessible.
• Make sure your license plate lights, taillights, running lights, turn signals and headlights are all working. 
• Driving with an open container or under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is illegal.
• Mutant vehicles are not allowed to drive until they are inspected and licensed by the Department of Mutant Vehicles in BRC.

Read more about traffic laws

Why Am I Being Pulled Over?

Please respect law enforcement, especially if you’re stopped for questioning. Interfering with law enforcement during a stop, investigation, or at any time is considered an offense.

Read more about being pulled over

Law Enforcement Feedback

If you have any feedback (positive or negative) regarding your experience with law enforcement, please fill out one of our Law Enforcement Feedback Forms at Playa Info, Black Rock Ranger HQ at 5:45 & Esplanade, or online while the details are still fresh in your mind. The timely return of these forms enables us to act on them before the event is over.

Read more about law enforcement feedback

Lawyers for Burners

If you were arrested or cited in Black Rock City and are interested in better understanding your legal options, Lawyers for Burners is a resource available to you. Lawyers for Burners is run by volunteers in the Burning Man community to provide participants with legal information and to assist them with a referral to an experienced Nevada criminal defense attorney.

Read more about Lawyers for Burners

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Credits:
Editor: Kirsten Weisenburger
Looking Over Shoulders: Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley, Leslie Moyer
Design & Development: Silvia Stephenson
Original Jackrabbit (O.J.): Marian Goodell
Jackrabbit Emeriti: Jane Lyons, Andie Grace, Will Chase, Jon Mitchell, Leslie Moyer
Header image: BLM Ranger
Header Photographer: Duncan Rawlinson

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