Unlicensed Transportation Services Can Burn You- Know the Law Before You Ride to the Playa

With thousands of participants expected to travel to the Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man event, the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) is reminding the public that providing or accepting paid transportation without a proper license is illegal and potentially dangerous.

It is illegal in Nevada for rideshare drivers to operate off-application or solicit rides for cash. In addition, advertising and soliciting paid transportation services without the appropriate permit or certificate is considered unlicensed activity.

“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,” said Todd Park, interim NTA Deputy Commissioner. “Unlicensed transportation puts passengers at serious risk.”

Here’s What You Need to Know

• A license is required. In Nevada, anyone providing transportation services to the public for compensation must be licensed or permitted by the NTA.

• Rideshare drivers offering cash rides off- app are breaking the law. Rideshare drivers must be operating on-app for the required commercial insurance to be in effect. 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.

• Penalties are serious. Operating a for-hire transportation service without a permit is illegal, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and automatic vehicle impoundment per Nevada law.

• Safety is not guaranteed. Licensed operators must undergo background checks, carry commercial insurance, and meet vehicle safety requirements. Unlicensed drivers are not subject to these standards and create a liability for both themselves and their passengers.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe

Burners are strongly encouraged to use licensed ride-hailing apps, licensed taxis, certificated bus carriers, or other approved transportation options.

“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,” Park added. “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.”

Report Unlicensed Operators

To report suspected unlicensed transportation activity, contact the Nevada Transportation Authority’s enforcement division at (775) 688-2802 or file a complaint online at nta.nv.gov.

About the Nevada Transportation Authority

The Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) administers and enforces state laws pertaining to passenger transportation, household goods movers, storage of household goods, and tow cars. The NTA has been charged with the responsibility of providing fair and impartial regulation, to promote safe, adequate, economical and efficient service, and to foster sound economic conditions in motor transportation. The NTA encourages the establishment and maintenance of reasonable charges for intrastate transportation by fully regulated carriers and non-consent towing services. The NTA also has responsibility for the taxicab industry throughout the state except in Clark County.

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