Updated 3.16.2026
RESTRICTED AREA: A restricted area is any part of the competition site where vehicles are running under power. This includes dynamic event areas (track events, noise test, brake test, and practice area), as well as technical inspection and static judging areas (Cost and Design).
Access is limited to individuals with the proper wristband and, where required, a dynamic area pass.
ALUMNI ACTIVITIES: Alumni, parents, and sponsors welcome. Must sign waiver, wear spectator wristband, and follow event rules. Team activities must stay within paddock and not disrupt others. Outside space may be reserved through MIS.
DYNAMIC AREA & DYNAMIC AREA ACCESS: At Formula SAE, the “dynamic area” is one of the “restricted areas” and is defined as any part of the competition site where cars are running under power. The “dynamic area” includes the following parts of the site:
- Brake test area
- Courses (Acceleration, Autocross, Skid Pad, and Endurance)
- Event queues and surrounding areas
- Noise test area
- Practice track
The dynamic area is highly restricted and may only be accessed with proper credentials: a dynamic area pass and a wristband.
Access rules are as follows:
- Competitors & Faculty: 4 people per team, including drivers and faculty, and each team is issued four (4) dynamic area passes.
- Official Translators: issued separate dynamic event passes.
- Dynamic Event Volunteers: Assigned passes.
- Judges: Limited, must have a dynamic area pass
- VIPs/Sponsors: Only with SAE escort.
- Media: Must have passes; media requires a spotter.
DYNAMIC AREA PASSES: To gain access to the dynamic event area one must wear and display (1) a dynamic area pass, and (2) a plastic wristband.
Dynamic area passes are not issued to spectators and may not be loaned to spectators.
PADDOCK: The paddock is the area where teams set up their workspaces and park transporters. Individual paddock spaces are assigned by organizers. Teams and visitors should remain aware of vehicle movement and the use of power tools, and exercise common sense.
PARTICIPANTS: To be classified as a “participant” an individual must:
- be at least 18 years of age, affiliated to university, and part of the registered team
- be at least 18 years of age and a registered volunteer
- have signed the FSAE liability waiver
- have been issued a wristband.
Only “participants” have access to the restricted events areas.
SPECTATORS: Registration staff will make every effort to have all spectators sign the MIS liability waiver. There is no minimum age for spectators, but as a matter of operational policy any spectator under 18 years of age must be always accompanied by an adult.
- Spectators over 18 years of age who sign the waiver will be issued wristbands.
- Spectators less than 18 years of age must have legal parent/guardian sign the waiver and will be either issued a wristband or have hand stamped.
- Spectators must remain in the parts of the site open to the public.
- Spectators are not considered “participants” and may not enter the dynamic events area.
WRISTBANDS: All competitors, spectators, sponsors, and volunteers must wear wristbands while onsite.
Types include:
- Plastic: Students, faculty, officials, volunteers, sponsors, media, VIPs
- Paper: Spectators
