Tesla has launched a campaign urging its New Jersey customers to contact state legislators and oppose pending bills that the company says would block true driverless technology.
The Texas-based automaker sent emails and posted appeals targeting Senate Bill S.1677 and Assembly Bill A.3968. The measures aim to create a three-year autonomous vehicle pilot program but include requirements such as human safety drivers, multimillion-dollar insurance minimums, and 100,000 miles of demonstrated safe operation.
Tesla argues the rules set arbitrary barriers that ignore real-world performance and favor established competitors. It highlights that more than 94 percent of serious crashes stem from human error and notes 578 traffic deaths in the state last year.
The company wants lawmakers to adopt technology-neutral, outcome-based safety standards that would allow qualified firms to test and deploy vehicles like its Robotaxi. Supporters of the bills, including Sen. Andrew Zwicker, describe the framework as a cautious approach with strong oversight.
Tesla directs owners to its advocacy platform to send messages calling for amendments before hearings proceed.