DMV: Enlightened bureaucrats or playa nazis?

[Dr. Pyro]

Ivy, I knew there was a reason I loved you. Maybe I should fall back on your copious wagon experiences for guidence.

[unjonharley]

Naw--you can't DRIVE it out of camp. I don't see why you couldn't move it, without driving it, if you *really* wanted to.

? this may be where the impound lot came in. Last year a lot of people that were turned down a the DMV drove anyway. The guy across the sreet from me did this. He had a lot of bad words for the DMV. They had truned down his furry golf cart. He waited til dark the first few days. When party time came off he went. After drinking all day. All the time the nose hits (I was getting) told me some one was in happy land.... By the fourth day he was driving anytime he pleased.

[Ivy]

Unjon, I think you misunderstood me.

I am not talking about driving the vehicle.

I am talking about moving the vehicle through other means, be it tow, bike, slip 'n' slide, or the Hungarian weightlifting team.

That's kinda why I said "without driving it" in my post.

[Selkie]

I am talking about moving the vehicle through other means, be it tow, bike, slip 'n' slide, or the Hungarian weightlifting team.

That's kinda why I said "without driving it" in my post.

I was thinking you could just get people to help push it. At least you'd be sure you wouldn't go over the 5mph speed limit.

[swampdog]

first timer, so all this is speculative, all caveats apply.

First off, it's clear to me that DMV are doing a hell of a hard job. Part of what seems to make it especially hard this year is that they seem to have tried to move an on-playa hassle to a pre-playa hassle. In doing that, they seem to have underestimated the volume of requests they'd get and the impact of people being rejected pre-playa (and so being able to bitch to a wide audience via eplaya).

In addition, they have the thankless task of managing a finite resource (car space on the playa) with a group that thinks the resource is infinite (potential car drivers on the playa). Nobody gets their knickers in a twist if they don't get their camp placed on Esplanade (or at least they don't moan their fate on eplaya) because everyone knows it's a finite resource.

They've also apparently made the decision that a flat "no, don't ask why" is a better response than "You didn't pass safety" or "sorry, this isn't art". As painful as this is for some, I can see how necessary it is if there's no appeals process available. Otherwise you get "what if I welded on a little doo-hickey here? How about a different paint job" (not to mention "whta do you mean it's not art!!!") and endless negotiations.

The big questions for this year are: How do you handle the renegades who are just going to try to ignore the rules? Do you worry about the bitch level? Are there some worthy MVs out there that we really wish we'd included? If so, do we just tell them "better luck next time" or try to accomodate?

Even more important is the process review for next year. Is it too early to start bringing up ideas? Maybe we can shift this discussion to something positive.

Some things I think might help
1. Define the "carrying capacity" of cars. Make it clear to people that they are trying to gain access to a finite resource. You could have a very cool MV but if you apply late and there are no spaces, well, you need to plan better next year.
2. Provide appeals for early submission, subject to a limit (max 2 appeals, no appeals after July 1, etc)
3. On playa appeals court to be held at fixed times at the impound lot (eg, 2-4 pm). Artistic appeals can be brought to a public review at center camp - "do you want this car out here?"
4. I like bdongray's suggestion of a "promenade" route for cars, but policing it would be tough - "is that a promenade sticker or a full access sticker?" Perhaps a daily parade, anything goes, but outside that only DMV stickered cars?
5. Are there multiple types of vehicles that might add to the playa experience? MVs, art cars, party buses, mobile stages are some of the things I've seen discussed. Do they need separate treatment or is it just MVs?
6. Systematic way of removing reckless drivers. Maybe keep track of points of offense (like the other DMV does) against the car, go over 10 points and it's a do-not-pass-go trip to the impound lot.

I don't want to be second-guessing people who put a lot of effort into this year's experience, but this seems like a real sore point and one that we as a community may be able to help assuage and improve for next year.

(oh, and as far as this particular vehicle, the line "It has an extra step welded to the back bumper so people can safely go on and off the back without risk of falling either under the vehicle or its side" scares me. Wasn't the fatality last year someone who tried to climb off a moving vehicle? Although this is intended as a safety measure, it sounds ironically like it might encourage the unsafe behavior it is trying to protect. They might be REALLY sensitive to things like that this year)

[Dr. Pyro]

We put the back step on for two reason: 1) because of what happened last year, we are using that knowledge to see that it can't happen again, at least by us; and 2) some of us are in our 50's and 60's and jumping off a back bumper of a truck isn't as easy as it maybe for you. And as a first time newbie, I think you'll be surprised by just how much space there is out there. Infinite, no, but hardly squeezed. And for what it's worth, a lot of us don't want to be on the Esplanade.

Look out! Here come the Playa Nazis from the DMV! Don't shoot!

[swampdog]

Yes, I agree that my perception of what the playa is really like is probably wrong. I do get a clear perception from reading eplaya that there is a concern about the total number of cars on the playa - whether that's rational or not I can't say. BLM seems to be partly driving it. I'm suggesting that if it is finite, for whatever reason, setting a numeric limit might help manage it.

re: Esplanade - no, and a lot of us don't want to drive MVs either, just an example of an accepted finite resource.

re: your safety measure - your description does make it sound really hard to fall off of in a dangerous way, I was just trying to guess what might have gotten you eliminated by your description . If you make it safer for some yahoo to get on while in motion, you may ironically have made it easier for the yahoo to get hurt. "attractive nuisance" is what they always cite for why you have to put a fence around your swimming pool.

[Simply Joel]

I still want to see a photo of said art thingy

[Dr. Pyro]

Drop by Wheeeee!ville and see for yourself.

[JRoyale]

Naw--you can't DRIVE it out of camp. I don't see why you couldn't move it, without driving it, if you *really* wanted to.

? this may be where the impound lot came in. Last year a lot of people that were turned down a the DMV drove anyway. The guy across the sreet from me did this. He had a lot of bad words for the DMV. They had truned down his furry golf cart. He waited til dark the first few days. When party time came off he went. After drinking all day. All the time the nose hits (I was getting) told me some one was in happy land.... By the fourth day he was driving anytime he pleased.

Yeah, this is why the impound lot exists, same with the tow truck. It is also one of the reasons the DMV went to all the hassle to screen MV applications before the event - so non-qualifying cars won't be on the playa and their owners won't be tempted to take them for a spin. It also save the MV owner the hassle of hauling an vehicle to the playa only to be rejected.

The DMV, the Rangers, the Gate and the senior staff are really serious about dealing with this issue this year, so I'm hoping everyone got the message.

JR

[unjonharley]

The DMV, the Rangers, the Gate and the senior staff are really serious about dealing with this issue this year, so I'm hoping everyone got the message.

JR

Hoping everyone got the message!!!
Now,, that's a giggle

[Wendor]

Yes, I agree that my perception of what the playa is really like is probably wrong. I do get a clear perception from reading eplaya that there is a concern about the total number of cars on the playa - whether that's rational or not I can't say. BLM seems to be partly driving it. I'm suggesting that if it is finite, for whatever reason, setting a numeric limit might help manage it.

Your perceptions were basically correct. The concern about the total number of cars on the playa is real. You are right and Dr Pyro is wrong. "car space" is a finite resource. It is not driven by how much physical space there is, it is purely and simply a condition of the land use permit from the BLM that allows Burnign Man to take place on the playa. We are REQUIRED to regulate, control, and limit motor vehicle usage on the playa during the event.
(The land use permit is public record. Anyone who wants to can get a copy of it and read it.)

[Badger]

Submitted in another topic but worth repeating i think...

Below is a copy of a specail Jackrabbit Speaks re: Driving Policy. It was the first time in my memory that it was put out with a single topic send. Sent out in mid-July, the idea was that folks would (hopefully) see the degree of importnace and seriousness by which we viewed the escalating problem of vehicles on the playa given the overwhelming number of post-event complaints by participants. The rational of this particular message is directed at the problem of unregistered vehicles ambling about the playa but was also written in conjunction with the DMV is trying to highlight the problem of vehicles in general. It's not perfect. Things could have been changed but I believe the gist (jist?) of the subject gets the point across. Any criticisms can be placed on my shoulders as I wrote the final piece with input by my good friend Ranger Bob.

The basic rational for denial of entry of non-passenger carrying vehicles into the event was pretty much this:

"If you have problems with tigers in your house then it seems to me that one of the most prudent measures one can ake is to insure they don't ever make it inside in the first place.

A concerted effore by BM might start with a publicity blitz that informs folks that if they show up with four ATVs or golf carts on a trailer that they will denied admission to the event until they return without the vehicles.

Period.

Then, the burden falls on the folks to deal with storing (or returning) of the vehicles.

If you use this as a cornerstone for establishing a more restrictive vehicle policy then all other subsequent licensing requirements and policies can be more effectively put into place. - Badger"

Here's the original......

-----Original Message-----
From: Andie Grace [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wed 7/14/2004 12:34 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: BManUpdate:V8:SPECIAL DRIVING EDITION

JRSV8:Special Driving Edition



Just one important message for today - the Rangers and DMV have delivered
very important information about DRIVING at this year's event:

2004 Vehicle Enforcement Policy

As the 2004 event draws closer many folks planning to make the sojourn
to Black Rock are asking lots of questions and seeking clarification
around the myriad issues that make coming to the event both challenging
and rewarding. One of the most repeated requests for clarification has
to do with issues related to mutant vehicles (i.e. 'art cars') and the
current policies regarding registration and approval of them. This
single-subject missive is an attempt to clear up some of the confusion
as well as to clarify current policies regarding [registration and
operation of] vehicles at Burning Man this year.

In response to the growing number of safety problems of vehicles being
operated in an unsafe manner during the event and the complaints
generated as a result, the driving regulations this year will be
strictly enforced. Note that these regulations do not reflect a mandate
imposed by LEOs (law enforcement organizations). Nor do they represent
collaboration with LEOs by the Black Rock Rangers. The decision to
place a greater emphasis on long standing regulations 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. We're appealing to a higher instinct here folks. Simply put
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.

In their purest form mutant vehicles serve as a form of mobile
interaction with a great number of participants and contribute
dramatically to the surreal experience which many of us experience each
year during the event. They are, as DMV Manager Jewelz Cody notes "A
thread that binds Black Rock City together. They are 'visual sculpture
on wheels': radically, stunningly beautiful...and are core to the culture
and community of Burning Man."

A corollary to what mutant vehicles represent to our event can be found
in the annual Rose Bowl parade in California each New Year. The floats
in the annual Rose Parade represent a year of work by teams of people
dedicated to making this yearly promenade of beauty happen. While it's
true that the folks riding on the floats start at one end of Colorado
Boulevard and end up intact at the other, that's really not what the
whole float thing is about: it's about artistic expression in a form
that happens to move.

Likewise, that's the intent of having mutant vehicles in Black Rock
City. They are ideally no less artful than the beautiful static
sculptures we enjoy each year, but have the added benefit of being able
to move about the playa, offering another dimension to their expression.

This year, vehicles on the playa will have a lot in common with floats
in the Rose Bowl Parade. Just as you wouldn't expect to tie a carnation
to your golf cart frame and pull in for your slot in the Rose Parade, so
this year the DMV is carefully reviewing the proposed art vehicles for
the playa. Mutant vehicles will have to be reviewed and approved for
the playa in advance of the event. If your mutant vehicle hasn't been
invited to the playa parade, it will not get in.

It would be great if folks would voluntarily leave non-mutant vehicles
(mopeds, golf carts, ATVs, etc.) parked at home rather than arrive at
the event only to have them turned away at the gate and placed in the
holding area outside the event boundary. Unfortunately that's not been
the case for the past several years. The past few events have seen a
substantial rise in the number of non-altered vehicles being brought to
the playa for no other purpose than a means to traverse the city for the
sake of personal convenience. That's not to say that certain vehicles
are automatically excluded. For instance, if a motorcycle is your
primary vehicle to get to the playa, you will be allowed to drive it to
your camp and park it. If you bring a cart or other means of alternative
transport due to being physically challenged you'll be allowed to
operate it but ONLY after showing appropriate documentation and
necessary placard identifying you as being handicapped.

Remember, Black Rock City is first and foremost an alternative city
where pedestrians and bicycles hold sway. Please remember, purchase of
your ticket does NOT entitle you to operate non-approved vehicles within
the event once you have set up camp.

In 2004, unauthorized vehicles (unmodified ones not registered with DMV)
caught driving in Black Rock City may be fined by outside law
enforcement agencies, removed by escort or towed by the Black Rock
Rangers. Repeat offenders may be evicted. Further, unsafe operation of
licensed mutant vehicles (speeding, recklessness, impaired driver, etc.)
can result in revocation of your ability to operate your vehicle and
will be subject to the same sanctions as outlined for non-approved
vehicles.

For those still sitting on the fence about whether or not to bring a
mutated vehicle to this year's event please remember that the DEADLINE
FOR REGISTRATION is 15 July 2004.

For further information on vehicle registration and driving protocols
please see the following:

Department of Mutant Vehicles:

http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... _2004.html

Vehicles at Burning Man:

http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... index.html

Black Rock City Vehicle Protocols:

http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... iving.html

Registration Form for Mutated Vehicles:

http://forms.burningman.com/dmvq/

[Simply Joel]

Drop by Wheeeee!ville and see for yourself.

uh.... i won't be there... dumbass

[The CO]

I have not beein impressed by the DMV in the last few years. One of my campmates was forced to leave his handbuilt-from-scratch (and I DO mean from scratch) trike at the gate because it "wasn't art enough" (his quote), but his wife was allowed to bring an unmodified electric scooter. How much more "substantially modified" can you get than starting with stock steel and turning it into a bike?

"It would be great if folks would voluntarily leave non-mutant vehicles mopeds, golf carts, ATVs, etc.) parked at home rather than arrive at the event ..."

It would indeed be great if this happened. And there is no better way to set this example than by stopping every ranger, manager, DPW, etc. that is driving one of these vehicles and impounding them. Lead by example. I would bitch a lot less about my buddies trike if i hadn't seen so many "Official" people driving around on undecorated vehicles. I understand exeptions for Medics & LEOs, but I see no excuse for anyone with a BRC laminate of some kind to get a free ride on this.

BTW, I think there is no such thing as an "enlightend bureaucrat".