AM Radio May Be Required by Law in New Vehicles

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      Nearly every discussion about AM radio begins with the same question: “When was the last time you used it?” While this is a valid inquiry, there exists a group of individuals who argue it is the wrong one. They contend that the frequency of a tool's usage does not determine its value; rather, its effectiveness does. This belief is driving a new bill through Congress aimed at ensuring AM radio is included in every new car, regardless of automakers’ preferences.

      This legislation is known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and is part of a broader initiative put forth by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce called the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026. There are discussions about it being incorporated into another proposal—the Build America 250 Act—which encompasses various transportation elements, such as highway safety programs and bridge rehabilitation. This latter bill was introduced on May 18 and was advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee shortly after, with a bipartisan vote of 62-2. Although it has not yet passed in the House of Representatives, it currently appears to have strong support.

      This isn't the first attempt by lawmakers to mandate AM radio. A similarly titled bill was introduced in 2023, but faced significant opposition from automakers. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation—a coalition representing companies like Ford, VW, and Toyota—released a joint statement with the Center for Automotive Research, claiming that high-voltage electric vehicle powertrains disrupt AM signal reception. They also pointed to high costs as a major reason for moving away from AM, with receivers potentially costing up to $70 each, translating to a total expense of $3.8 billion for automakers by 2030.

      As long as it can be included with the Build America 250 Act, this initiative for mandatory AM radio stands a much better chance of passing. Bipartisan backing is crucial, and both Republicans and Democrats are eager to see the bill approved before September 30, the date when the current funding authorities for highways and transit expire under the existing surface transportation law. Should the House, Senate, and President not reach an agreement before that deadline, federal funding for highways, bridges, and transit initiatives could be put on hold.

      Opponents of AM radios in vehicles primarily raise concerns about cost. Those supporting an AM mandate offer numerous justifications. Instead of asking how frequently people use the simple technology, they believe a more pertinent question is, “What will you do if the alternatives fail?” Much of the enthusiasm driving this legislative effort centers on the idea of preparedness: What if a natural disaster disrupts all other forms of communication, or a governmental crisis leads to widespread chaos? They challenge whether saving money—as a manufacturer or consumer—is worth missing out on AM radio.

      The decision is currently in the hands of lawmakers in Washington.

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