Opinion: New Jersey’s self-driving car bill would block out the people who need them most

Key points

• The proposed AV bill may exclude younger residents and others without existing car ownership from future autonomous vehicle benefits
• Self-driving cars are already being tested on New Jersey streets and represent a practical near-term technology, not distant science fiction
• Equity and accessibility concerns should be central to how lawmakers design autonomous vehicle regulations in the state

FAQ

Why is autonomous vehicle policy important for younger New Jersey residents?

Young people, especially those who can't afford or don't own traditional cars, stand to gain significant independence and mobility from autonomous vehicles. Overly restrictive legislation could lock out these populations from future technology benefits before AVs even become widely available.

Are self-driving cars already being tested in New Jersey?

Yes. According to the opinion piece, autonomous vehicles are actively testing on New Jersey streets today, making this not a hypothetical future issue but a present regulatory challenge.