This bill establishes a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to allow autonomous vehicle testers to operate fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) in both closed and open-road testbeds. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in consultation with the Department of Transportation, will oversee the program, which will be guided by a task force composed of public safety officials, transportation experts, and representatives from the autonomous vehicle industry. The task force is responsible for providing quarterly reports, soliciting public feedback, and assisting in the development of protocols related to AV collisions and safety. Testers must meet specific requirements, including having a qualified operator in the driver's seat and maintaining liability insurance of at least $5 million.

The bill outlines various safety and operational standards for AVs participating in the pilot program, such as being equipped with redundant safety systems, crash-avoidance technology, and cybersecurity measures. All AV collisions must be reported to the Department of Transportation within 48 hours. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of new testing environments and the deployment of smart infrastructure to support AV operations. It also specifies regulations for AVs operating as taxis and commercial trucks, including designated highways and operational restrictions. Finally, the commission is required to submit a report evaluating the pilot program and offering recommendations for the safe integration of AVs on state highways within six months of the program's conclusion.