Why the Government Wants To Keep AM Radio in Every New Car

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Driving and listening to something, like music or news, go back a long way. But the way people do it today doesn’t look the same as it did decades ago.

Today’s digital age offers a wide range of ways to listen on the road. Drivers were once limited mostly to the radio built into their vehicle. Now, satellite radio and streaming services offer plenty of alternatives. That shift has also changed what automakers put in their dashboards.

Some newer vehicles no longer include AM radio, but the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has moved closer to changing that. Here’s why lawmakers have focused on AM radio and what the bill could mean for new vehicles in the U.S.

What the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Would Require in New Cars

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, formally known as H.R. 979, would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a rule requiring AM radio access in new passenger vehicles.

Under the House-passed bill, automakers would have to include equipment that can receive AM broadcasts as standard equipment. Drivers would need an easy way to access AM stations, and manufacturers couldn’t charge an extra fee for the feature.

The change wouldn’t happen right away. If the bill becomes law, the Department of Transportation would have up to a year to write the rule. During the period before it takes effect, automakers selling a new vehicle without AM radio would have to clearly tell buyers.

The House vote also doesn’t mean AM radio is now required in every new car. The bill passed the House in September, and is now awaiting further action in the Senate. Until the bill becomes law and the federal rule takes effect, whether a new vehicle has AM radio will continue to depend on the model.

Why Some Automakers Have Removed AM Radio From New Vehicles

AM radio has drawn more attention as electric vehicles have become more common.

Some automakers say electrical equipment in EVs can interfere with AM signals. The Congressional Research Service found that several manufacturers have pointed to that interference when explaining why they left AM radio out of some electric models. Other automakers have kept it.

The National Association of Broadcasters says broadcasters and automakers have also looked at ways to reduce the problem.

“Broadcasters have been working with automakers to address concerns they may have, including utilizing a simple software upgrade that reduces noise and interference,” according to the National Association of Broadcasters. “We want to ensure Americans can continue to enjoy the local news, entertainment, public safety benefits and connection AM radio has to offer without sacrificing vehicle performance.”

The bill wouldn’t require automakers to use a particular fix. It would simply require new passenger vehicles to provide AM radio access if the measure becomes law.

Why AM Radio Still Matters for Emergency Alerts in Cars

Emergency alerts are a major reason supporters want AM radio to remain available in vehicles.

“AM radio is a lifeline. When the power goes out, when the cell towers go down, and when the Internet cuts off during a storm or an emergency, AM radio is often the only way families can get the life-saving information they need,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

AM radio plays a role in the country’s emergency warning system. Some stations have backup power and equipment that can keep them broadcasting during emergencies, including times when cell or internet service may be unavailable. Drivers can also tune in without relying on a cellular data connection.

The bill would require the Government Accountability Office to study how well AM radio works alongside other ways of sending emergency alerts, including its strengths and limitations.