Contact Members of the New Jersey Legislature to Oppose S. 1677 / A. 3968

What you need to know

Legislation moving through Trenton right now — S. 1677 / A. 3968 — would create New Jersey's first autonomous vehicle pilot program. That sounds like progress. It isn't.

As written, the legislation imposes restrictions so severely that Tesla's autonomous vehicle technology couldn't legally operate in New Jersey. Rather than prioritizing real safety outcomes and performance, the bill specifically bans Tesla from the New Jersey market.

This affects real people.

• Parents that want their children to be safe on the commute to school.
• Aging populations that want to maintain their independence.
• People with disabilities who hope for more mobility options, not fewer.
• Rural communities that lack access to public transportation.

Every arbitrary roadblock is a delay for the people who need this life-changing technology most. Legislation that bans Tesla’s proven AV technology from the market is not caution — it's anti-competitive favoritism that will cause New Jersey to fall behind while other states move forward. Here's what that means for you:

Safer roads — delayed. Last year 578 people were killed in traffic incidents in NJ. This is unacceptable. More than 94% of serious crashes are attributable to factors caused by human error including impairment, distraction, and fatigue. Autonomous vehicles cannot drive drunk, distracted, or drowsy.  States that have embraced this technology are already seeing improved safety performance. New Jersey residents deserve to experience the safety benefits that autonomous vehicles offer. If passed as currently written, S. 1677 / A. 3968, would deprive you of those significant benefits.

Freedom of movement — denied. For older and disabled residents who cannot drive, autonomous vehicles aren't merely a convenience. They represent independence. S. 1677 / A. 3968 excludes a pathway for commercial autonomous vehicle deployment, effectively denying New Jersey residents access to a reliable, independent transportation option that will significantly improve mobility and quality of life. Other U.S. states recognize these mobility benefits and are clearing hurdles. New Jersey should do the same, rather than create barriers to mobility independence.

Smarter, cheaper travel — blocked. Autonomous vehicles reduce congestion, cut emissions, and offer a more affordable transportation option.  NJ should be leading on this — not legislating against it.

Economic boom — unrealized. Widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles is expected to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs nationally, many of which do not require college degrees and pay above-median wages, while generating around $93 billion in additional federal tax revenue. Combined with annual reductions in accident-related costs, autonomous vehicles will create jobs, free up consumer spending, and stimulate growth in logistics, retail, technology, and beyond. If passed in its current state, these bills would disincentivize autonomous vehicle companies from entering the NJ market and instead force investment in other states.

You can change this — but only if you speak up now.

Contact your state legislators today using the tools above. Tell them you are a New Jersey resident who wants access to safe, proven autonomous vehicle technology. Tell them to fix S. 1677 / A. 3968 – make the bill technology-neutral and open the program to all qualified companies, allowing full driverless vehicles, and building policy around outcomes, not politics.