With thousands expected to head to the Black Rock Desert for Burning Man, the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) is reminding travelers that offering or accepting paid rides without proper licensing is illegal and potentially dangerous.

In Nevada, rideshare drivers are prohibited from operating off-app or soliciting rides for cash.

The law also bans advertising and offering paid transportation without the necessary permit or certificate.

“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 travelers should know:

  • A license is required. Anyone transporting people for compensation in Nevada must be licensed or permitted by the NTA.

  • Rideshare drivers must stay on-app. When a rideshare driver offers a ride for cash off the app, required commercial insurance is not in effect. If an accident occurs, the driver is considered uninsured and may be personally liable.

  • Violations carry steep penalties. Operating without a permit is illegal and can lead to fines of up to $10,000 and automatic car impoundment.

  • Safety standards aren’t guaranteed. Licensed operators must pass background checks, carry commercial insurance, and meet vehicle safety requirements. Unlicensed drivers are not held to these standards, increasing risks for passengers and drivers alike.

The NTA urges attendees to choose safe, legal travel by using licensed ride-hailing apps, certified bus carriers, taxis, or other approved services.

“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 said. “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.”

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