Bill > S1677

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey for testing and operating fully autonomous vehicles, which are vehicles capable of performing all driving tasks without human intervention (Level 4 or 5 automation as defined by SAE J3016). The program, overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), requires authorized "autonomous vehicle testers" to apply and meet specific criteria, including submitting a "law enforcement interaction plan" detailing how first responders should handle these vehicles. While initial testing may require a human driver to monitor the vehicle and be ready to take control, the bill allows for operation without a human driver after extensive testing and demonstration of safety. The program also mandates specific safety features for these vehicles, such as redundant safety systems, crash-avoidance technology, and data recording capabilities, and requires significant liability insurance coverage. Furthermore, the bill addresses consumer protection by requiring clear disclosures about partial automated driving systems in new vehicles and establishes reporting requirements for crashes involving autonomous vehicles, with penalties for non-compliance. The DOT will also work to develop smart infrastructure to support autonomous vehicle operations and will report on the pilot program's findings and recommendations for future integration of these vehicles.