Updated 3.16.2026
Everyone (students, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators) at Formula SAE would like to enjoy an accident-free event. Rules are listed alphabetically and all must be followed.
ASSIGNED PADDOCK: Each team is assigned one paddock location. Teams must operate within their assigned paddock spot. Only the FSAE trailer (and truck if not detaching) or commercial rental truck will be parked in paddock. All other vehicles must park outside the oval in the MIS Fan Zone. For details, see Event Site Review.
BEHAVIOR: All participants are expected to maintain professional courtesy and conduct.
- Prohibited devices: Motorcycles, quads, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, or similar personal transportation devices are not allowed anywhere in the competition area, including paddocks. Self-propelled pit carts, toolboxes, and tire carriers are also prohibited.
- Prohibited substances and items: Alcohol, marijuana (any use), illegal drugs, weapons, or any other illegal materials are strictly prohibited on site.
- Pets: No pets are allowed.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; open-toe shoes are not permitted.
DRIVER’S EQUIPMENT: Anytime the driver is in the cockpit with the engine running, the following approved safety equipment must be worn: helmet, driver’s suit, racing gloves, goggles/face shields, racing shoes, and hair covering, if necessary (Rule VE.3 “Driver’s Equipment”).
DRIVING PRACTICE: Practice is only to take place in the designated areas during designated hours.
ENGINE RUNNING: Engines may be run in the paddock provided the car has passed parts 1 and 2 of technical inspection and the conditions of Rule D.2.3 are met: the car must be on an adequate stand, and the drive wheels must either be at least 10 cm (4 in) off the ground or removed entirely. No one is permitted underneath the vehicle while the engine is running.
FIRES: No open fires in the paddock. Electric hot plates and MIG or TIG welding (with gas bottles safely secured) are allowed in your stall. Propane BBQ grills ONLY may be used only in the designated area, which is located on the grass outside paddocks.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Fire extinguisher required with vehicle in paddock or moving. Driver does not hold it. Team member must hold extinguisher while car is running. Keep extinguisher accessible. Notify organizers if discharged. All team members must know how to use it.
FUEL AND OIL: No open fuel containers. All fuel containers must be DOT approved. Waste oil, etc., is to be taken to the fuel station for disposal.
JACKING: When supporting cars off the ground, use strong, sturdy stands which support the vehicle in a stable and secure way; drive wheels should not touch stands. Do not use milk crates, piles of wood, four of the strongest team members, etc.
SPECTATORS: Spectators are defined as someone NOT part of the registered team limit of 30 students. All spectators cannot work on the vehicle and MUST follow the same rules as participants.
TOOL USE: Tools are expected to be used safely. Use of PPE is required. Wear safety glasses when cutting, grinding, etc. Wear appropriate eye protection while welding.
TRASH: It is the team’s responsibility to keep their Paddocks clean throughout the event. There are trash compactors behind the paddocks and near the suites. Do Not Throw Metal into the trash compactors!
ALL trash (including broken parts, old furniture, worn out tires or other materials) must be removed at the end of the event by student team. (Rule AD.7.4)
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS: No unapproved modification to the vehicle after it has been through tech inspection. (Rule IN.16.2)
VEHICLE MOVEMENT: Vehicles may not move under their own power anywhere but on the practice or competition tracks. Whenever a car is moved there must be:
- A driver wearing a full safety suit seated in the cockpit
- A fire extinguisher accompanying the car at all times
- Someone pushing the car with a push bar
WORKING ON THE VEHICLE: Work on the vehicles should take place in team paddocks or at the GM Welding and Machine Trailer. Tools are expected to be used safely and PPE is required.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE PASSENGER VEHICLES TO BE DRIVEN ON THE TRACK.
Exception – crossing the track upon arrival to and departure from MIS is permitted; supervision may be required.
