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

OPINION

I’m 20, I don’t own a car, and New Jersey’s Autonomous Vehicle bill would take my future and independence away before it even begins. AVs are no longer sci-fi—they’re actively testing on NJ streets. Lawmakers are right that establishing a roadmap for an autonomous future is important, but legislation proposed by state Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak, S1677/A3968, would impose restrictions so severe that it becomes a roadblock to the very future the bill’s sponsors hope to support.

This legislation would create New Jersey’s first autonomous vehicle pilot program. On the surface, that sounds like progress. In reality, it isn’t. S1677/A3968 would require every AV operating within NJ to be retrofitted with LiDAR and radar—effectively shutting out Tesla, the most accessible and scalable option for everyday New Jerseyans. Tesla operates using only cameras and AI neural networks trained on real-world driving data to navigate almost any road—just like a human driver! Conversely, Waymo relies on expensive extra sensors like LiDAR costing ~$100k, and pre-mapped zones, limiting it to specific cities. Tesla’s camera-and-AI approach is what makes it affordable and practical for the average American.

Why the current bill is harmful

Unfortunately, this bill would disenfranchise private owners. Mandating expensive LiDAR and radar on every AV doesn’t just block Tesla from operating robotaxis in NJ—it kills the private-ownership pathway that makes the technology widespread and affordable. Rather than embracing this model, the legislation favors limited, high-cost corporate fleets serving only urban customers. NJ has an exciting opportunity to become the first state with rules welcoming privately owned robotaxis, empowering young people, entrepreneurs, and suburban communities. Legislators could expand transportation access for disabled residents, restore independence to the elderly, and reduce traffic deaths—or choose to harm the people they serve. New Jersey’s motto is “Liberty and Prosperity.” Passing S1677/A3968 as-written would betray that promise.

Tesla’s Robotaxi model

Tesla takes accessibility further with Cybercab—a ~$30k purpose-built, autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. I plan to purchase multiple Cybercabs for personal use and add them to Tesla’s Robotaxi network here, at the Jersey Shore. During the busy summer season, robotaxis could provide rides for tourists and locals while generating profit for owners like me.

In urban centers, Tesla’s network would operate in geofenced zones. In shore communities like my town of Point Pleasant Beach, it would rely on private owners contributing their own vehicles. Their mission: enabling unsupervised FSD on existing Teslas to everyday people for personal use. Owners could then opt in to the Robotaxi network, letting their car generate revenue while they work or sleep—instead of sitting idle. Just as the iPhone and social media democratized information, Tesla and FSD will democratize transportation so regular citizens, not just corporations, can participate and profit.

Safety is a valid concern, but it’s important to separate facts from headlines.

Tesla’s basic Autopilot is a driver-assistance feature (essentially advanced cruise control for highways). Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is far more advanced—handles complex city driving, turns, and intersections—but remains Level 2 today, meaning the driver must stay ready to intervene. Tesla is rapidly progressing toward unsupervised Level 4 (in specific areas) and eventually Level 5 (full autonomy anywhere).

Tesla’s data shows FSD-equipped vehicles travel significantly farther between crashes than the average human driver—approximately 7 times safer. Most “related crashes” in the news trace back to driver misuse, not the system itself. For example, in the recent Texas crash where a Tesla hit a home and tragically killed a resident, the driver blamed Autopilot. However, Tesla VP of AI Ashok Elluswamy confirmed in an X post that the driver overrode the system by pressing the accelerator to 100%, reaching 73 mph. As with all incidents, Tesla reviewed the logs—consistent with the pattern that these crashes result from operator error when features are misused.

A better path forward

Lawmakers should amend this bill to be technologically-neutral, focused on performance-based standards instead of picking technological winners and losers. New Jerseyans deserve the freedom to benefit from the most accessible path to autonomy—Tesla’s vision-based system that’s already improving daily through real-world data. Let’s not block the future. Let’s build it together.

Tayden Rock is a college student and film/TV actor who advocates for public policies that promote liberty, prosperity, and opportunity in New Jersey.  Printed at the recommendation of former State Sen. Raymond Lesniak.