What is an Art Car/Mutant Vehicle?

An Art Car, or Mutant Vehicle, is a vehicle with 4 or more wheels and room for two or more people (including the driver) that has been radically, stunningly and safely modified.  The words “whimsical” and “surreal” come to mind when thinking of Mutant Vehicles.  A Mutant Vehicle is not a private mode of transportation but rather a vehicle that the community has the opportunity to visit and/or ride in during the event.

What is NOT a Mutant Vehicle?

A vehicle that has NOT been radically mutated is not a Mutant Vehicle.

• Street vehicles with minimal changes and temporary decorations are not Mutant Vehicles. For example, a vehicle that has crepe paper and some flowers attached to it is not considered mutated.
• Low riders, classic cars, monster trucks, dune buggies and hot rods are not Mutant Vehicles. If you bring these types of vehicles, they must remain in a designated parking area like any other non-mutated vehicle.
• A vehicle that has been stripped down to the frame and engine is not a mutant vehicle.
• The DMV has the final say-so in these matters.

Do I need to pre-register my Art Car/Mutant Vehicle?

Yes!  If you’d like to apply for a Mutant Vehicle permit, you need to pre-register.  If you’d like to be included in the WhoWhatWhereWhen, the complete guide to what’s happening at Apogaea, you need to pre-register.

Are there special requirements?

To receive a Mutant Vehicle permit, the vehicle must meet the below guidelines.  When you arrive at the event, an official member of the DMV will inspect your vehicle then expect to go for a fun filled ride with you!  You will also be asked to sign an acceptance form stating that you understand the guidelines and accept the liability before a Mutant Vehicle permit is issued.

Failure to follow guidelines may result in the temporary or permanent revocation of your permit to drive your Mutant Vehicle at the event, the temporary or permanent suspension of a driver, and/or the expulsion of driver and/or vehicle from the event. This is at the sole discretion of the DMV, Rangers, or Apogaea Board.

Vehicle Guidelines for Daytime Driving:

• Radically, stunningly and safely modified.
• 4 or more wheels.
• Designed to carry two or more people (including the driver).
• Must not leak fluids.
• Clear field of vision for the operator, which may include rear and side mirrors.
• People walking with the vehicle to ensure safety if it is large or has limited field of vision.
• Safe access area and procedures for loading and unloading passengers.
• Safe access area into and out of your camp.
• Does not mimic any type of emergency or law enforcement vehicle.

Vehicle Guidelines for Nighttime Driving:

• All of the day time guidelines.
• Adequate illumination, including front, rear and side lights.
• If towing a trailer, you must RADICALLY illuminate the trailer and hitch, as well as the wheel wells and/or fenders.

Driving Guidelines for Mutant Vehicles:

• Maximum speed of 5 mph.
• Must be driven by licensed drivers.
• May not be driven by an intoxicated/impaired driver or in a dangerous manner.
• Must have valid car insurance, unless the vehicle is not required to have insurance outside of the event.  Apogaea assumes no liability for your Mutant Vehicle.

Deadline for pre-registration is midnight on April 30th.

Supplemental material not supported by the on-line application must be postmarked no later than April 30th.

To learn about getting funding for your project, check out Art Grants.