Tesla has launched a public campaign calling on its supporters to oppose a new legislative push in New Jersey that would establish the state’s first autonomous vehicle pilot program, claiming the rules are designed to block the company from the local market.
The Texas-based electric vehicle manufacturer issued an appeal to customers regarding Senate Bill 1677 and Assembly Bill 3968, which are currently moving through the legislature in Trenton. While the bills are framed as progress toward introducing self-driving cars to the state, Tesla argues that the legislation imposes severe restrictions that would make it illegal for its autonomous vehicle technology to operate in New Jersey.
The company claims the framework sets arbitrary hurdles rather than focusing on actual safety outcomes and performance metrics, calling the policy anti-competitive favoritism that will cause the state to fall behind others.
According to Tesla, the proposed rules rule out a pathway for commercial autonomous vehicle deployment, which would directly impact families, rural communities lacking public transportation, and aging or disabled residents who rely on automated driving options to maintain their mobility independence.
The carmaker also emphasized the potential safety consequences of delaying the technology, noting that 578 people were killed in New Jersey traffic incidents last year. Tesla pointed out that more than 94 percent of serious crashes are caused by human error, including impairment, distraction, and fatigue, conditions that do not affect autonomous driving systems.
Tesla is urging New Jersey residents to contact their state legislators to demand changes to the current bills. The company wants lawmakers to make the pilot program technology-neutral so that any qualified business can test driverless vehicles based on safety performance rather than political factors.
A review of the Engage Tesla campaign page shows the company is actively collecting signatures and providing tools for residents to message their representatives directly.
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