If Congress passes the bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act, AM radio will be required in every new automobile sold in the United States, including electric vehicles.
The proposal arrives as a quiet car cabin has become normal in models from Ford and Tesla, both of which removed AM receivers from some newly manufactured EV lineups. The change is less about nostalgia than emergency communication. When mobile networks fail, an AM signal can still reach large areas through ordinary vehicle hardware.
What the AM Radio Bill Would Do
The bipartisan legislation was introduced in the US Congress to mandate AM radio receivers in all new automobiles. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts is one of its primary sponsors, while Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey co-led the corresponding House version. The bill has not become law.
Its requirement would take effect only if Congress approves the measure and it receives presidential approval. > “AM for Every Vehicle Act” is the formal name of the proposed legislation. As first reported by Caranddriver, the proposal is aimed at preserving access to AM broadcasts as automakers redesign dashboards and remove traditional radio hardware from some EVs. That matters because the dispute is not simply about one audio source. It concerns whether a vehicle should retain a dedicated link to public warnings even when its connected services, mobile data or infotainment software are unavailable.
Why AM Radio Still Matters for Emergencies
The National Association of Broadcasters strongly supports the bill because it views AM radio as an important channel for emergency broadcasting. Federal Emergency Management Agency administrators have also highlighted AM radio as a critical link for the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
AM signals can cover broad areas, making them useful for weather warnings, evacuation instructions and other public messages. The system also gives authorities a communication route that does not depend entirely on smartphone ownership or a working cellular connection. That does not make AM the only emergency tool. Modern vehicles also use connected services and digital alerts, but the proposed mandate would preserve a separate, familiar receiver inside the cabin. The policy question is therefore practical: should new cars retain a low-cost broadcast function even when most owners use streaming services for daily listening?
Automakers, EVs and the Dashboard Question
Ford and Tesla previously removed AM radio receivers from some new electric vehicles. The decision reflected the changing design of EV cabins and the reduced role of traditional broadcast radio in software-led infotainment systems. EVs also create a specific technical concern because electric powertrains can produce electrical interference that affects AM reception.
That engineering issue helped push some manufacturers away from AM hardware, although the verified bill details do not specify how compliance would be implemented across different vehicle platforms. The debate comes during a broader argument over what must remain available in a car. Our coverage of Chinese Cars CEO warnings shows how vehicle policy is increasingly shaped by national security and infrastructure concerns, while 2027 Ram Becomes part of the wider shift toward software-rich vehicles. For buyers, the distinction matters. A mandated receiver would not mean every driver must listen to AM; it would mean the capability cannot disappear from new vehicles altogether.
What Happens Next for New Cars?
Congress must advance the proposal through the legislative process before any mandate can affect automakers. The House and Senate versions would need approval, followed by presidential action, and the verified information available does not establish a final timetable. The National Association of Broadcasters will likely remain a vocal supporter because the bill protects an established emergency channel.
Automakers, meanwhile, would need to account for AM reception and hardware integration in future vehicle designs, including EVs. That policy pressure sits alongside the wider effort to preserve old automotive functions, as shown by interest in Bristol Cars Back and other reminders that legacy technology can retain value after newer systems arrive. If the bill becomes law, the dashboard will carry a small but significant message: connectivity may be modern, yet emergency access still depends on dependable basics. Understanding Radio Will Be Required fully means staying ahead of these developments.
FAQs
Would every new car need AM radio?
Yes, if the proposed legislation becomes law, every new automobile covered by the measure would need an AM radio receiver.
Has the AM radio bill become law?
No. The legislation was introduced in Congress and still requires approval through the US legislative process and presidential action.
Which lawmakers support the proposal?
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts is one of the primary sponsors, and Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey co-led the House version.
Why did some EV makers remove AM radio?
Ford and Tesla previously removed AM receivers from some newly manufactured electric vehicles as automakers changed vehicle hardware and infotainment systems. AM radio will be required only if Congress completes the legislative process, but the debate already exposes a larger issue: the newest cars may still need the oldest emergency links. Source: Caranddriver
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