US House Advances Bill Requiring AM Radio in New Vehicles

US automakers may have to restore AM radio in new cars, trucks, and SUVs after the House of Representatives approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act this week, according to TechCrunch. The bill would require AM radio at no additional charge to consumers.

The legislation now goes to the Senate. If it becomes law, it could require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create rules making AM radio standard equipment in new vehicles.

Support has recently increased among politicians from both parties, broadcasters, and emergency responder organizations. Advocates say AM radio can provide emergency information when cellphone signals are unavailable. House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie said farmers use it for weather forecasts, local information, and crop reports, while older Americans use it for local news and programming.

The bill could affect automakers that have removed built-in receivers. Tesla began phasing out AM radio in 2020, citing interference from electric motors, and later removed built-in FM and AM radio from certain trim levels. Volvo, BMW, Polestar, and Rivian have also favored streaming services in some software-defined vehicles.

According to USA Today, the budget office said the legislation could especially affect electric-vehicle manufacturers. An analysis of EV sales data found that manufacturers might need to update radio equipment in about 2 to 2.5 million vehicles each year. Senator Ted Cruz called AM radio “a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles,” but the Senate must still decide whether the Act becomes law.