H.R. 979 · Passed House · Science, Technology, Communications

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

Sponsor: Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL)

What it does

• Require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule mandating that all new passenger vehicles manufactured or imported after a specified date include AM radio as standard equipment.
• Require manufacturers without AM radio capability to clearly label vehicles and prohibit charging additional fees for AM radio access before the rule takes effect.
• Authorize DOT to assess civil penalties for violations and allow the Department of Justice to pursue civil actions to enjoin violations.
• Establish a 10-year expiration date for the rule and DOT's enforcement authority.
• Direct the Government Accountability Office to study and report on emergency alert dissemination methods, including AM radio's role.

Official summary

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.) Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers. Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access. DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil…

Latest action

Sep 16, 2026: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 622.

Committee: House Transportation and Infrastructure