Pilots and vehicle drivers wanting to enter a runway or taxiway (movement areas) must first get permission from the tower. As an operator of a vehicle, you must have authorization from ATC before you enter any part of the airport movement area.

Under normal circumstances, it is strictly illegal and a severe federal offense to drive a private vehicle on an active airport runway. Doing so constitutes a "Runway Incursion," which can lead to catastrophic collisions with landing or departing aircraft. At commercial airports, the "Air Operations Area" (AOA) is protected by high-security fencing and monitored by ground radar; unauthorized vehicles will be intercepted by airport police and the driver can face heavy fines, imprisonment, and permanent "No Fly" status. However, there are exceptions: at some small, private "Airpark" communities (residential areas built around a private airstrip), residents may have legal "taxiway access" for their vehicles, provided they follow strict radio protocols. Additionally, some specialty events, such as "Shift S3ctor" or "No Fly Zone" half-mile drag racing events, lease out deactivated or rural runways for high-speed car testing under controlled safety conditions. Unless you are at a sanctioned event or have "ramp access" credentials for work, the runway is a "no-go" zone for your car.