Bill would require AM radio in all new cars, no extra charge

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

Manufacturers would bear the cost of installing AM receivers and could not charge buyers extra; violations could bring civil penalties enforced by the federal government.

Placed on the calendarS. 315Latest action Apr 3, 2025

Sponsor: Edward J. Markey · Senator · MA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

119th Congress

Topics: AI & technology

Introduced: January 29, 2025

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

S 315 would require automakers to include free AM radio receivers in new passenger vehicles under a federal rule.

55-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule within a year requiring AM radio receivers as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles at no extra charge. Automakers would have 2-3 years to comply, or up to 4 years for smaller manufacturers that made 40,000 or fewer vehicles in 2022. Until compliance, cars without AM radio must be clearly labeled, and states can't set their own separate rules on the topic.

Who does it affect?

Car buyers, automakers (especially electric vehicle makers that have dropped AM radio), and the federal Transportation Department.

Why does it matter?

Supporters say AM radio is a key emergency alert tool during disasters when other systems fail, especially as some automakers drop it due to interference with electric motors. The rule would expire after 10 years unless renewed, with reviews every 5 years and a study on emergency alert effectiveness.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Automakers pay installation costs
No extra charge to buyers
Federal civil penalties for violations

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

IntroducedJan 29, 2025
Senate committee
Senate voteYou are here · Apr 3, 2025
House
The president's desk

Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: April 3, 2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 39.

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How it's being covered

Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.

Newest of these articles: Oct 3, 2026

chicago.suntimes.com
Not rated
Lawmakers look to require AM radio in new cars despite automakers' pushback
Oct 3, 2026
“The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.” — chicago.suntimes.com
familyhandyman.com
Not rated
Why the Government Wants To Keep AM Radio in Every New Car
Sep 24, 2026
“The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Here’s what the bill could change for new cars and why AM still matters.” — familyhandyman.com
jpost.com
Center
US House of Representatives passes bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Sep 20, 2026
“H.R. 979 directs the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a rule making AM radio standard equipment in n...” — jpost.com
caranddriver.com
Not rated
AM Radio Will Be Required in All New Cars If This Bill Becomes Law
Sep 19, 2026
“The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives and moves on to the U.S. Senate.” — caranddriver.com
thedrive.com
Not rated
The Future of AM Radio in Cars Just Got a Little More Certain
Sep 19, 2026
“A bill to mandate AM radio in new cars passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week.” — thedrive.com

Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.