US Automakers Face Federal Mandate to Include AM Radio at No Extra Cost

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation aimed at compelling automakers to equip all new cars, trucks, and SUVs with built-in AM radio at no extra charge to buyers.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish rules mandating AM radio as standard factory equipment across all new passenger vehicles. The bill now advances to the Senate, where it has already gathered broad support.

A Critical Public Safety Lifeline

Long considered a staple of the American dashboard, AM radio has faced growing opposition from automotive manufacturers. However, a broad coalition—including broadcast industry leaders, emergency responders, and former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrators—has successfully lobbied for federal protection.

Proponents emphasize that because AM signals travel long distances and remain functional during power grid or cellular network failures, the band acts as an essential backbone for emergency response, weather alerts, and local news.

"This vote sends a clear message to car manufacturers that AM Radio is a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles," said Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in a joint statement following the House vote. "From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is an essential communication tool for tens of millions of Americans."

The Senate version of the legislation, co-sponsored by Cruz and Markey, secured 60 co-sponsors earlier this year, establishing the majority required for smooth passage through the upper chamber.

EV Interference vs. Standard Equipment

The legislative push arrives after several major automakers—particularly electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers—began removing physical AM radio receivers from their product lineups.

• BMW, Tesla, and Volvo: Phased out physical AM receivers in favor of internet streaming platforms.

• Rivian: Offers FM radio on its R1 series, while the R2 SUV relies on digital radio platforms like iHeartRadio.

• Ford: Originally planned to drop AM radio from new vehicles, but reversed its decision following public and legislative feedback.

EV manufacturers have cited technical challenges for the phase-out, arguing that electromagnetic interference generated by electric drivetrain motors degrades AM signal frequencies and causes noticeable audio static. In response, several brands turned toward software-defined infotainment setups using digital streaming apps such as SiriusXM and TuneIn.

However, safety advocates point out that digital streaming platforms depend heavily on cellular connections, leaving drivers vulnerable when networks fail during natural disasters or power outages.

What Comes Next?

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, federal regulators at NHTSA will be tasked with drafting formal rules for vehicle manufacturing standards. The mandate will require automakers to re-engineer vehicle interiors and shield electrical components against signal interference—ensuring over-the-air AM radio remains accessible to every commuter across the country at no added cost.