The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (officially titled the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 in the current Congress) is bipartisan legislation aimed at requiring automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard, no-cost equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States.
Key Provisions
- The Department of Transportation (DOT) would issue a rule mandating that new vehicles (manufactured in, imported to, or shipped within the U.S.) include devices capable of receiving AM broadcast signals (including digital AM) as standard, easily accessible features.
- Until the rule takes effect, manufacturers selling vehicles without AM capability must clearly label them as such and cannot charge extra for adding AM access.
- Violations could result in civil penalties from DOT or enforcement actions by the Department of Justice.
- The bill also calls for studies (e.g., by the Government Accountability Office) on AM radio's role in emergency alerts compared to alternatives.
Background and Rationale
- Automakers, particularly those producing electric vehicles (EVs like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and others), have begun removing AM radios due to electromagnetic interference from EV components, cost savings, and a shift toward streaming/digital audio. Supporters argue that AM radio remains vital for:
- Emergency alerts — It integrates with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, providing resilient, free over-the-air broadcasts that work during power outages, cell network failures, or internet disruptions (e.g., during hurricanes or wildfires).
- Diverse programming — Including news, sports, weather, farm reports, religious content, and ethnic/language-specific stations reaching rural, underserved, or diverse communities.
- Public support is high, with surveys showing over 80% of Americans favoring AM in vehicles for safety reasons.
The bill has strong bipartisan backing, led by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) in the Senate (S. 315), and Reps. like Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and others in the House (H.R. 979). It's endorsed by groups including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), emergency managers, AARP, farm bureaus, and minority broadcaster associations.
Current Status (as of January 2026)
The bill was reintroduced in the 119th Congress (2025–2026) after similar versions advanced in committees but stalled in prior sessions. The Senate version advanced quickly through the Commerce Committee in early 2025. House leadership (including Speaker Mike Johnson) has committed to a floor vote early in 2026, with strong momentum from widespread cosponsors and public advocacy. It has not yet been enacted into law but is considered likely to pass soon given the bipartisan support and ongoing push from broadcasters and safety advocates.
Critics (including some automakers) view it as government overreach that could hinder innovation or add minor costs, but proponents emphasize its public safety benefits outweigh these concerns.