AM Radio for Every Vehicle

Summary#

This bill, the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule within one year requiring new passenger motor vehicles to include devices that can receive and play AM broadcast signals. The rule must make access to AM stations easy for drivers and may be met by equipment that receives digital audio AM broadcasts (defined by an In Band On Channel system), but not all-digital AM. The Secretary must set an effective date for the rule between 2 and 3 years after the rule is issued, except small manufacturers (those that produced no more than 40,000 vehicles in 2022) get at least 4 years. For vehicles manufactured after the law takes effect but before the rule’s effective date, manufacturers must clearly label that the vehicle lacks AM reception and may not charge extra for AM access during that interim period. The bill preempts State or local requirements about AM access in vehicles. Violations are enforceable by civil penalties and by civil action by the Attorney General, referencing existing vehicle safety enforcement provisions. The Comptroller General (GAO) must study how emergency alerts are distributed to the public, including the role of vehicles and AM stations, consult many stakeholders, brief Congress within one year, and deliver a report within 180 days after the briefing. The Secretary must report to Congress at least every 5 years on the rule’s impacts. The vehicle AM requirement rule automatically sunsets 10 years after the Act’s enactment.

What it means for you#

  • New passenger vehicles manufactured after the rule’s effective date would be required to include equipment that can receive AM radio signals and play AM programming.
  • Manufacturers must make AM access easy for drivers and may meet the rule by installing equipment that receives digital audio AM broadcasts.
  • If you buy a new vehicle made after this Act is signed but before the rule takes effect, the seller must display a clear label if the vehicle does not include AM reception, and the seller cannot charge extra for AM access during that interim.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on cost estimates or budgetary effects is included in the bill text or provided metadata. The bill does reference civil penalties and existing enforcement authorities, but it does not specify penalty amounts or direct budget figures.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or metadata describes arguments or statements by the bill's sponsors or supporters.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or metadata describes arguments or statements by opponents or critics of the bill.