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 developing safety protocols related to AV operations, including responses to collisions and cyberattacks. Testers must meet specific requirements, including having a qualified operator in the vehicle and providing proof of substantial liability insurance.

The bill outlines stringent safety and operational standards for AVs participating in the pilot program. These vehicles must be equipped with redundant safety systems, crash-avoidance technologies, and must comply with cybersecurity standards. Additionally, all AV collisions must be reported to the Department of Transportation within 48 hours. The bill also mandates the establishment of new testing environments and the deployment of smart infrastructure to support AV operations. 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.