New Jersey Bill Mandates Sensors for Self-Driving Cars
New Jersey's state legislature is considering a bill that would require self-driving cars to be equipped with a camera system and at least two other sensors, such as lidar and radar, to operate in the state. If passed, this would be the first state to write a sensor mandate into law, potentially impacting Tesla's Robotaxi service.
Key points
- The bill, sponsored by state Senator Andrew Zwicker, would require self-driving cars to have a camera system and two distinct sensing modalities, such as lidar and radar, to operate in New Jersey.
- The measure would apply to a three-year pilot programme for fully autonomous vehicles, with the Department of Transportation deciding who gets in.
- Tesla's Robotaxi service, which relies on cameras alone, could not operate in New Jersey if the bill passes without modifying its hardware.
- A near-identical bill is pending in New York, and passing either could lead to a domino effect, with other states following suit.
- The bill was adopted by the Senate Transportation Committee on May 11 and is now moving through the state legislature.
A bill moving through the New Jersey state legislature aims to settle the debate over self-driving cars by mandating the use of multiple sensors. The legislation, sponsored by state Senator Andrew Zwicker, would require any company operating fully driverless cars in New Jersey to equip them with a camera system and at least two other sensing modalities, such as lidar and radar. This would make New Jersey the first state to write a sensor mandate into law.
The bill would apply to a three-year pilot programme for fully autonomous vehicles, with the Department of Transportation deciding who gets in. Tesla's Robotaxi service, which relies on cameras alone, could not operate in New Jersey if the bill passes without modifying its hardware. A near-identical bill is pending in New York, and passing either could lead to a domino effect, with other states following suit.
The measure is part of a broader effort to establish clear regulations for self-driving cars. As the technology continues to advance, lawmakers are working to ensure that it is safe and reliable. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for the self-driving car industry, potentially impacting companies like Tesla and Waymo.
Sources
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