Kean Says NJ Could Go 'Driverless'

By: John Patten

New. Jersey State Sen. Tom Kean Jr. has had enough of New Jersey drivers—in fact, he's introduced legislation to do away with them.

Well, not entirely: Kean's bill would make New Jersey the fourth state in the country to permit autonomous vehicles on the roads, possibly making the state a hub for development of the vehicles since it would be the first in the populous Northeast region to do so.

Nevada was the first state to authorize autonomous vehicles, issuing the first permits to Google in March 2012. Although some polls show most people are not comfortable with the idea, manufacturers including BMW and Mercedes-Benz are developing autonomous models. 

“Centuries ago, people riding on a horse-drawn carriage would have never imagined that people can now push a button to start a car and press a pedal to make it drive 200 miles per hour,” Kean said. 

“It is hard to imagine cars driving us to work while we read the news, but there are significant technological advances being made toward that end, and New Jersey has a lot to gain from being at the forefront of such innovation.”

Kean introduced Senate bill S-2898, which directs the state Motor Vehicle Commission to set standards for licensing vehicles autonomous vehicles, "or any operated by artificial intelligence, sensors, GPS systems or any other self-driving technologies." 

A statement from the senator's office notes the Commission would establish regulations authorizing the use of autonomous vehicles and create rules covering safety, testing, insurance, registration and operation.

Among the advantages to autonomous vehicles, besides the complete lack of emotion governing driving decisions, would be the added flexibility for disabled and senior citizens. 

“This legislation sends a strong message to innovators and job creators that New Jersey is not afraid of being the home to new thinking and the way of the future,” Kean said. 

“It is another avenue to continue economic growth in this state, while we continue to cut red tape; make record investments in schools for our next generation; and continue adding private-sector jobs each month.”

Do you think autonomous vehicles should be permitted? Would you like to have an autonomous car? Tell us in the comments below.