Bill > A3968

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey for testing and operating fully autonomous vehicles, which are vehicles equipped with an automated driving system (a combination of hardware and software capable of performing all driving tasks) and designed to function without a human driver, classified as Level 4 or Level 5 automation. The program, overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in collaboration with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), requires "autonomous vehicle testers" (companies developing or testing these vehicles) to apply for authorization, submit a "law enforcement interaction plan" detailing how authorities should respond to these vehicles, and pay an application fee. A task force composed of various stakeholders will monitor the program, solicit public feedback, and suggest legal changes. While the program generally requires a trained human driver to be present and capable of taking control, it allows for operation without a human driver if the manufacturer demonstrates extensive prior testing and safety assessments, including 50,000 miles of testing on public roads without major incidents. The bill also outlines safety requirements for these vehicles, including redundant safety systems, crash-avoidance technology, data recording capabilities, cybersecurity standards, and specific reporting requirements for crashes involving autonomous vehicles. It prohibits operation in school zones, construction zones, or areas with high pedestrian collision rates and clarifies that the autonomous vehicle tester is liable for damages, traffic violations, and injuries or fatalities caused by improper operation when no human driver is present. Furthermore, the bill mandates disclosures for vehicles sold with partial automated driving systems, ensuring buyers understand their limitations and the continued need for driver attention, and designates the DOT as the sole state agency responsible for regulating fully autonomous vehicles, preventing local entities from imposing additional restrictions. Finally, the DOT will submit a report evaluating the pilot program and recommending future integration of autonomous vehicles.