Engulf Mutant Vehicles Policy
ENGULF MUTANT VEHICLES POLICY
The Department of Mutant Vehicles is responsible for helping participants raise the bar of art car awesomeness by providing guidance and licensing mutant vehicles for use at Engulf.
Online applications for mutant vehicles are open now until the event. Once gates open, you must apply in person, on paper.
MUTANT VEHICLE ART GRANTS
We are accepting applications for art grants for your mutant vehicle. As part of the application process, you can optionally apply for a grant to support the creation and artification of your mutant vehicle. The grant application closeing date an be found at the bottom of this page, but the sooner you apply, the better your chance of receiving funding.
THE BASICS
The acting DMV lead has the authority on what vehicle is granted a permit and may decline to issue a permit for any reason that does not conform to Engulf policy. Operating an unlicensed vehicle can result in your vehicle being impounded for the duration of the event.
To use any transportation greater than two wheels, your device must be “artified” and licensed with the DMV (this excludes the 2-hour window that motorized vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) can be used to drop off and pick up supplies at your campsite during Engulf entry and exodus). This restriction applies whether the vehicle is human powered (e.g., a pedal tricycle), battery assisted (e.g., a golf cart or battery-assisted tricycle), or gas-powered. This restriction also applies to any disability-assistance vehicle. The DMV has a specific set of criteria that it is looking for when licensing mutant vehicles.
LICENSING CRITERIA
Be an Artified or Mutated Vehicle
Vehicles must be mutated and artified to be licensed. This means that the vehicles must provide a creative contribution to the event. Ideally, the vehicle will look less like a golf cart and more like a giant octopus spraying water from its tentacles and bubbles all around us (or insert your idea here).
We’re serious here. Streamers on a tricycle won’t cut it.
Provide a Service.
Vehicles must provide a service to the community. This could be a portable potable water station for thirsty Engulfians, or a dance floor for people with impeccable balance, or have space to offer rides or “art tours,” or some fantastic entertainment.
Be Safe.
The vehicle must be able to drive the speed limit and have functioning brakes. The speed limit at Engulf is 5mph MAXIMUM…. always.
Passengers must be reasonably protected from falling off when the vehicle is in motion and must have a safe place to enter and exit.
The vehicle cannot have any protrusions or extensions that could injure a passing pedestrian.
The vehicle must always have a clear field of vision for the vehicle operator.
Mutant vehicles cannot exceed 8.5’ in total width or 35’ in length.
The vehicle must be lit and visible for nighttime use, and any headlights must have colored gels.
You must be able to secure the vehicle (to prevent unauthorized use) when not in use. As the licensee, YOU are responsible for the vehicle.
REGISTRATION
Registration provides the DMV with contact and vehicle information necessary for the DMV to ensure the safety of Engulf for our participants. You can register in advance, or you can register upon arrival (although it’s a long form, and no one likes to fill out forms at events). Pre-registering speeds up the licensing process on site and allows the DMV to provide important feedback on your vehicle’s chances of being licensed as described. It’s in your best interest to pre-register.
LICENSING PROCESS
Licensing involves getting the DMV to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it meets the licensing requirements listed above. This inspection must occur on site at the event.
Bring your vehicle to the DMV location on the map during the DMV’s hours of operation.
Complete a Registration Form.
If you pre-registered, tell the DMV volunteers and they will locate your registration and ask you to verify the information. Make any updates and sign the registration.
If you did not pre-register, pull up a seat and complete a blank registration form.
The DMV volunteers will inspect your vehicle and either approve your vehicle for your license or require you to make additional modifications to obtain a license, or reject your request outright if you don’t meet the requirements.
Once approved, the spiffy collectable licenses must be displayed in/on the vehicle during use. The usual location is as close to the operator of the vehicle as possible on the driver’s outside.
You are responsible for always securing your license and vehicle to prevent misuse.
SAFETY THIRD!
Because Engulf is a pedestrian city, using a vehicle is inherently risky, and we want you to think about how your vehicle contributes art, provides a service and won’t hurt people in the process. In addition to the safety considerations built into the licensing criteria (adequate lighting, safe ingress/egress from vehicle, etc.), we have safety rules for all mutant vehicles.
Drive at a speed of 5 MPH or less.
Give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicycles, one-wheels, and official and emergency vehicles. Mutant vehicles always have the LAST right of way.
Stop upon being hailed by Engulf Volunteers, Rangers, or Law Enforcement.
Do not drive under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
Do not drive in any pedestrian-designated areas or in any other areas prohibited from vehicle use.
Do not flee the scene of any incident in which the vehicle is involved. Seek assistance and wait until the Rangers or DMV clears you to continue driving or provides more instruction.
Use ground guides/walkers/spotters if the vehicle is large.
Abide by the Engulf Sound Policy. Amplified sound (or any sound at all) is prohibited in many sections of the Engulf grounds.
No flame or fire effects are permitted on any mutant vehicle.
Clearly display the Mutant Vehicle License registration.
In addition, there are several reasons you might be asked not to drive for a period of time, including inclement weather or adverse road conditions. When you are grounded, you’re grounded. Do not drive your vehicle again until you are given the all clear by an authorized Engulf official.
Finally, there are some areas of Engulf (including Redmann’s Curve and Lurch’s Loop) that are not suitable for all mutant vehicles. The DMV official will alert you upon registration which areas apply to the vehicle that you are registering.