2026 Census Course: Databeast Driver

DataBeast Driver Regulations & Job Description

• Drivers are REQUIRED to have a Valid and Current Driver’s License from the US or Home Country for International Burners while driving in Black Rock City.
• Seat Belt use is required by BM.org for passenger & driver.
• Headlights must be used after sunset.
• Don’t exceed 5 mph while in the city. 10 mph between Greeters and Sampling Point.

MUST BE SOBER & SAFELY drive the Census Transport Vehicle:

• To and from Gate road with teams of Random Sampler & Traffic Tamer volunteers.
• To Random locations on Playa & within the City with Teams of Lab Hosts on Pop-ups
• To Random locations of Playa for Volunteer Art Tours

• While transporting volunteers, there must be a Sampling Shift Lead or Census Lab Host Volunteer in the cab responsible for navigation and being a spotter for pedestrians, bikes, vehicles, etc. Also during transportation, they will operate the Drivers Radio, to communicate with a Shift Lead onboard the DataBeast riding with the volunteers & to Lighthouse before traveling along Gate Road.
• Gate Sampling Shifts: Because the Data Beast moves outside of the flags on Gate Road, Lighthouse must be notified before the vehicle moves into this “off limits” area. The Shift Lead is responsible to ensure radio communications are made to Lighthouse after stopping at Greeters, prior to driving to the Census Sampling Point and before returning to Greeters.
• Check OUT & RETURN Keys & Radio, inside the office container. Write a COMMENT if FUEL is low or you have any tire or mechanical issues

From BM.org for Mutant Vechiles

Here is a reminder of some of our core driving policies:.

• Be Sober: Only operate your vehicle when the driver and operational crew is/are completely sober and not impaired or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any other intoxicating controlled substance.
• Be Respectful: Treat DMV volunteers, other Burning Man Project team members, and law enforcement personnel respectfully.
• Drive Slowly: Keep your speed at 5 mph or slower and reduce speed if creating dust or in hazardous conditions.
• Yield to Others: Give pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency vehicles the right of way.
• Stay on Approved Routes: you may cross but avoid driving on: Esplanade, the Promenades at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00.
• DO NOT drive within the Great Circle around The Man (check the provided map for details).
• Weather Conditions: Do not drive during whiteouts, rain, on wet playa, or during other hazardous conditions.
• Respond to Rangers and Staff: Stop immediately if signaled by a Black Rock Ranger, Burning Man staff, or law enforcement.

Operating the DataBeast & Volunteer Assistance

Operating the DataBeast

• Unplug DataBeast from charging cable (labeled Electric cord)
• Secure any open windows or doors
• Confirm back ladder is stowed in the UP/Closed position
• Operate winch to Raise & Lower ladder Winch is operated by 12V battery on top deck. Be sure there is an extra battery if operation slows down
• Before heading out, wait until you hear a “Clear to Go” radio call from the Shift Lead Onboard the DataBeast
• Shift to Neutral
• Insert key
• Turn key to right. Wait for lights to stop flashing then crank engine on. Beeping will begin from the instrument panel.
• Wait until until air pressure builds. Time varies based on period of inactivity. Beeping will stop when it's warmed up.
• Push Yellow button to release air brakes
• Shift into drive - 5mph limit

Volunteer Assistance

Shift-Leads are responsible for getting everyone situated on the DataBeast

• Make sure water container is accessible to volunteers
• Assist Volunteers/Participants UP & DOWN the ladder
• Assist Shift leads as needed
• Assist with managing MOOP

Driving Routes to Commissary & Sampling Point from Census Lab @ 6:30 & A

COMMISSARY: Commissary is located at 5:30 between E & G. The Simplest way to Commissary from Census Lab, is to travel down 6:30 to C, turn left towards 5:30, then turn right at 5:30 until you reach the fenced Commissary area at E, look for the large tented structure. From the Sampling Point, turn right when you get into the City, turn left onto 5:30 travel to E street. Park at 5:30 and E, next to the black partitions.

• Park at 5:30 and E, next to the black partitions, where space is available.
• Close Door & Stairs while volunteers are having their meal.

SAMPLING POINT: From Census Lab, travel down 6:30 towards Gate Road. When you get to the end of the City, turn left towards Greeters. From Commissary, continue on 5:30 to the end of the City, then turn right towards Greeters. Stop at Greeters to let them know you will need to cross into the East side of the fenced line to reach our Sampling Point, then have Shift Lead radio Lighthouse.

• During sampling runs to and from Gate or Popups, avoid getting talked into detouring to drop-off or pick-up people or missing items. They invariably take more time than it sounds. Let the Shift Leads make the ultimate decisions.
• When returning from the shift, it may be okay to let people get out before getting back to the Commissary or Census Lab at end of shift. Make sure you come to a complete stop & lower the ladder before allowing people to get out.
• Seat Belt use is required by BM.org for passenger & driver.
• Headlights must be used after sunset.
• Don’t exceed 5 mph while in the city. 10 mph between Greeters and Sampling Point.

Closing Your Shift

• RETURN to Census Lab @ 6:30 & A
• Secure in Designated DataBeast Parking at Census Lab
• Final MOOP Sweep
• Roll Up Windows
• Secure Doors & Raise Stairs
• Plug DataBeast into charging cable (labeled Electric cord)

• Check IN Keys & Radio, inside the office container. REMEMBER to write a COMMENT if FUEL is low or you have any tire or mechanical issues.

Please Review these Important Expectations for your Critical DataBeast Driving Shift.

1. Please Find Miah at the Census Lab anytime prior to your first Shift to complete your OnPlaya Orientation.

2. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to ALL your Shifts.

3. Please Follow ALL BRC Driving Regulations you will find inside DataBeast. SPEED LIMITS: Do not Exceed 5 mph while in the City & 10 mph between Greeters and Sampling Point.

4. Census Vehicle Agreement Review

WHERE THINGS ARE AT CENSUS LAB….

• The Data Entry Office contains Vehicle schedules, Keys, Radios and their check In/Out forms.

5. Check In/Out Keys for the DataBeast found inside the data entry office container. REMEMBER to Log any Observations or Comments. Inform Miah or other Census Lead if Fuel is low.

6. Check In/Out Radios for the DataBeast found inside the data entry office container. KEEP Radio with you & on Census Channel at all times.

7. Driving Route to Commissary & Greeter to Sampling Point

You will find this map ONBOARD the DataBeast for your reference.

8. This is a BRC Map. Please note the areas of the City where Mutant Vehicles are Not Permitted to Travel.

You will find this map ONBOARD the DataBeast for your reference.