Bringing an Art Car
Get ready to roll through YOUtopia in style! Before applying for an Art Car placement, please read the information below carefully.
Art Car Application Deadline: September 25th
Can I Drive My Vehicle Around YOUtopia?
The only vehicles permitted to drive around the event are:
- Approved Art Cars—Read the Art Car FAQ for more information
- Staff and Emergency Vehicles
Vehicle passes will be needed for all vehicles. When you arrive, you can drive to your camp, or to drop off art and then to your camp. After that, your car must remain parked and away from camp frontages for the entire event. RV passes are needed for large vehicles.
Driving Regulations
- 5 mph or less AT ALL TIMES
- Yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles
- The driver must be sober and licensed
- No open containers within reach of the driver
- All motorized vehicles must be pre-approved by YOUtopia’s DMV
- In case of an emergency, Art Cars are required to have an appropriate fire extinguisher on board at all times
If you notice a vehicle driving improperly, please report it to a Ranger or YOUtopia Production crew member.
Art Car Rules
REGISTRATION
If you have a large Art Car that requires special placement considerations, please apply ASAP! All Art Cars must also undergo an on-site inspection to drive on-site during the event. We prefer that Art Cars receive pre-event authorization via completion of an Art Car Application. YOUtopia will allow Art Car Registration at the event, pending the same on-site inspection and approval by our DMV and/or Safety Leads.
Pre-event Art Car Applications deadline is Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:59pm.
ART GRANTS
Pre-event authorization is required PRIOR to applying for a YOUtopia Art Grant. Art Grant Applications will not be reviewed prior to registration.
The Art Grant Window 1 Deadline is July 6th, 2025 at 11:59pm.
The Art Grant Window 2 Deadline is July 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
ART
The Art Car must have sufficient decoration such that the vehicle is mobile art (plain golf carts are not a form of artistic expression).
SAFETY
Load and unload passengers safely. Don’t overload your vehicle. Drive with caution.
LIGHTS
Nighttime operation requires radical illumination. Rear, front, and sides must be lit. All vehicle extremities must be lit. Anywhere someone would walk, step, or climb on the vehicle must be lit (especially stairs and ladders)
FIRE
Fire effects are allowed with approval PRIOR to the Event. Regardless of whether or not your Art Car has fire effects, you must carry a fire extinguisher on-board.
SOUND
Art Cars must keep sound at a reasonable level and turn it down when passing in front of a Primary Sound Camp so that you are not competing with those camps. Before stopping in front of a camp, make sure that you have talked to the camp leads and are not interrupting their activities or setup. Having sound on an Art Car is a privilege that may be revoked at any time. Multiple complaints can get your Art Car grounded for the day or the entire Event. Please be considerate and act accordingly.
PARKING
Art Cars can only park in designated areas. Stopping in unmarked areas is a safety hazard. There must always be 15 feet of clearance on the road for emergency vehicles. Parked Art Cars must not be left unattended except when parked in your spot designated by the Placement Team.
SOBRIETY
All Art Car drivers must be 100% sober while driving through the venue. Those who drive while under the influence of any intoxicant are subject to discipline up to and including removal from the Event. We take the safety of our participants very seriously and you should as well.
ALL OTHER VEHICLES
Scooters, mopeds, personal vehicles, golf carts and anything other than approved Art Cars are not allowed to operate in the venue during the Event. If you have questions or need clarity, please email content@sdyoutopia.com or info@sdyoutopia.com prior to the Event.
Any Special Advice for Art Car Submissions?
Contact us if you are concerned about your vehicle in this environment. Pay special attention to making sure your brakes and engine/transmission can handle the sometimes sandy terrain. There are certain areas of the venue with soft-sand, so be aware of your surroundings. Very large vehicles will need placement assistance to ensure there is safe parking during the Event. Space is limited so don’t wait till the last minute to ask for large vehicle approval.
Part of the privilege of having an Art Car at YOUtopia is contributing to the event by sharing your Art with other Participants. While we understand that it is not possible at all times, Art Car owners should make their transportation available to all YOUtopians and give rides to other Participants where possible. Art Cars at YOUtopia are intended to be transportation and shuttling for YOUtopians throughout the large venue.
Finally, know that if your vehicle breaks, it is your responsibility. The Production Team can help find volunteers to push your car out of the way or find a working phone so that you can call a tow truck, but that is about it.
