House Passes Bill That Would Require AM Radio in Every New Car

What the bill does

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act tells the U.S. Department of Transportation to write a rule requiring new passenger vehicles to have a receiver for AM radio – including digital AM stations – as standard equipment, easy for the driver to reach.

The House passed it by voice vote on September 15, 2026. The version that passed ends the requirement after eight years, shortened from the ten years in the earlier draft.

Why supporters want it

Backers, led by broadcasters, say AM radio is a backbone of the emergency alert system and keeps working when cell networks and the internet go down.

Why carmakers object

Several carmakers have dropped AM from newer models, especially electric ones, where the electric motor can interfere with AM reception. The Consumer Technology Association, which lobbied against the bill, says the mandate raises costs, limits choice, sets a precedent for government-required technology and would not meaningfully improve safety.

What happens next

The bill still has to pass the Senate and be signed by the President, who has signaled support. Nothing changes for cars already on the road. If yours lacks AM, many stations also stream through apps and in-car connectivity.