Burning Man

Burning Man is a remote and freewheeling place, but be aware that numerous law enforcement agencies patrol Black Rock City day and night. Some law enforcement officers conduct surveillance undercover or in costume, and any illegal action witnessed by law enforcement can lead to a citation or your arrest.

Your best protection on the playa is to obey the law. And always Know Your Rights.

GENERAL RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN DEALING WITH POLICE

Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself or your car.
If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status these constitutional rights apply to you.

Your Responsibilities

Give your name if asked to identify yourself.
Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
Do not lie or give false documents.
Remember the details of the encounter, including badge numbers, officer names, and contact information for witnesses.

RIGHTS DURING A TRAFFIC STOP

If you are pulled over by the police while driving

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel where the police can see them.
If asked, you must show your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance.
Officers can also ask you to step outside of the car, and they may separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them and compare their answers, but no one has to answer any questions.
Absent additional reasonable suspicion of a crime, the police may not detain you longer than necessary to conduct a routine traffic stop and write a ticket.

CAR SEARCHES DURING A TRAFFIC STOP

The police cannot search the inside of your car unless:

You give them your consent, which you do not have to give; or
They have "probable cause" to believe (i.e., knowledge of facts sufficient to support a reasonable belief) that criminal activity is likely taking place, that you have been involved in a crime, or that you have evidence of a crime in your car.

If you do not want your car searched, clearly state that you do not consent. The officer cannot use your refusal to give consent as a basis for doing a search.

A police officer can utilize a drug-sniffing dog on the outside of your car without your consent, however they may not prolong the traffic stop for the purposes of waiting for the drug-sniffing dog.

CANNABIS

Cannabis is still illegal under federal law and any federal restrictions and regulations can be enforced in Nevada.
It is illegal to consume marijuana in public. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and bars.
Nevada forbids consuming marijuana while in a moving vehicle, even if you are not the one driving the vehicle. However, you may legally walk/drive with marijuana in your possession.
You can only purchase marijuana from a licensed retailer
It is against the law to cross into Nevada with marijuana purchased in another state.
Just like with alcohol, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana and you can receive a DUI if driving high.

If you think your rights were violated by police at Burning Man, contact us.

REPORT A CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION

1. What should I do if I am stopped by law enforcement in my car?

A.What should I do if I am stopped by law enforcement in my car?

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel where the police can see them.

If asked, you must show your identification card, registration and proof of insurance.

Officers can also ask you to step outside of the car, and they may separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them and compare their answers, but no one has to answer any questions.

The police may not detain you longer than necessary to conduct a routine traffic stop and write a ticket, unless they suspect you of committing a crime.

2. What should I do if the police want to search me or my car?

A.What should I do if the police want to search me or my car?

Unless the police have "probable cause" to believe (i.e., knowledge of facts sufficient to support a reasonable belief) that you have evidence of a crime in your car they should not be able to conduct a search.

If you do not want you or your car searched, clearly state that you do not consent. The officer cannot use your refusal to give consent as a basis for doing a search.

A police officer can utilize a drug-sniffing dog on the outside of your car without your consent, however they may not prolong the traffic stop for the purposes of waiting for the drug-sniffing dog.

3. What if I am arrested?

A.What if I am arrested?

If in your car, ask if you can park your car in a safe place or have a licensed driver take it away. This will avoid expensive towing or impoundment fees.

Do not resist, even if you believe you are being arrested unjustly.

You have the right to know what you are being arrested for.

Your constitutional rights must be read to you.

4. I think my civil rights were violated. What should I do?

A.I think my civil rights were violated. What should I do?

Write down everything you remember such as the officer’s name, badge number, agency they work for, and any other details of the event.

If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.

File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.