AM radio has become less relevant for many new-car buyers as modern infotainment systems make it easier to stream music and playlists. But a bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives could soon require automakers to include AM radio capabilities in all new cars sold in the United States.
House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to provide AM radio capabilities in their vehicles at no additional cost to buyers.
The bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President before the requirement takes effect. It received strong bipartisan support in Congress, with about 300 co-sponsors before the final vote.
Lawmakers and officials supporting the measure say AM radio remains an important part of the nation’s public safety infrastructure. It can serve as a primary medium for the National Emergency Alert System, transmitting alerts and vital information when telecommunications lines are down.
If the bill becomes law, all new cars sold in the U.S. would be required to have AM radio capabilities. Until then, any vehicle sold without AM radio would have to disclose that information to buyers through a window sticker placed on the vehicle.
Why Automakers Are Removing AM Radio
AM radio has gradually disappeared from some new vehicles, particularly among automotive manufacturers heavily focused on EVs. One reason is that electric motors can generate electromagnetic frequencies that interfere with AM radio signals.
In some cases, that interference can make AM radio virtually unusable. Rather than spending money and resources to address the interference, most affected brands chose to remove the AM system altogether.
Some Automakers Still Keep AM Radio
Some automakers continue to offer AM radio, with most finding ways to shield the system from interference caused by the electric battery.
Ford took a different approach. The automaker announced that it would remove AM radio because of low listenership, but eventually reversed course and reinstated the AM radio system.
The proposed federal requirement would keep AM radio available in new vehicles while recognizing its stated role in delivering emergency alerts and vital information.
