AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would require the Department of Transportation to create a rule mandating that all new passenger cars sold in the United States include AM radio capability as standard equipment. Currently, some newer vehicles—particularly electric and luxury models—are being manufactured without AM radios. The bill would reverse this trend by making AM radio receivers a mandatory feature that is easily accessible to drivers. **Who it affects:** The rule would apply to all new passenger vehicles manufactured in the U.S., imported into the U.S., or sold across state lines after the rule takes effect.
This impacts vehicle manufacturers and all consumers purchasing new cars. Until the rule is enforced, manufacturers that don't include AM radio would be required to clearly label and inform buyers of this omission. **Why it matters:** AM radio is frequently used for emergency alerts, weather warnings, and news broadcasts—particularly important during natural disasters when other communication systems may fail. Supporters argue that removing AM radio capability eliminates a critical safety tool, while the bill's requirements would ensure drivers have access to emergency information regardless of their vehicle's age or type. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.The rule, including DOT’s authority to enforce it, must expire 10 years after the bill’s enactment. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM radio relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies.
Latest Action
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 330.