House Passed Legislation Mandating AM Radio in New Cars
Proposed federal rules aim to require AM receivers in all new vehicles to ensure access to emergency alerts and broadcasts.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Should the federal government mandate that all new automobiles must include AM radio?
In September 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation requiring all new vehicles to come equipped with functional AM radio receivers. The move aims to preserve a critical communication channel for the 82 million Americans who listen to AM radio monthly.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that maintaining AM radio access is a vital public safety measure for when cell service fails, while broadcasters view car access as essential to their business viability. For many households, this could restore a reliable source of information during emergencies.
More than 4,000 radio stations across the United States rely on AM technology, which currently reaches 53 percent of the total radio audience through in-car listening. The proposed mandate would add less than 0.1 percent to the total production cost of a new vehicle.
The players
Tesla
An electric vehicle manufacturer known for its minimalist interiors and the removal of AM radio from several recent models.
Volkswagen
A global automotive manufacturer that has begun phasing out AM radio receivers in certain newer electric vehicle models.
Volvo
A vehicle brand recognized for its safety-first engineering that has removed AM tuners from some of its modern electric lineups.
The details
Automakers like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo have moved to remove AM radio from newer models, citing electromagnetic interference generated by high-voltage electric vehicle systems. The legislation seeks to standardize access by forcing manufacturers to accommodate these receivers regardless of the vehicle's powertrain. This would effectively reverse the trend of eliminating AM tuners from modern electric car dashboards.
Timeline
April 2024: Industry experts testified on EV electromagnetic interference.
September 2026: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the AM radio bill.
November 2026: Midterm elections are scheduled to occur.
Post-election 2026: The bill may face a vote during the lame duck session.
The Home Front
This legislation marks a significant regulatory intervention into the standard equipment offerings of modern automakers. It highlights a growing tension between the rapid adoption of electric vehicle technology and the preservation of legacy infrastructure for emergency communication.
If you are currently shopping for an electric vehicle and prioritize AM radio, check the manufacturer's specifications for the tuner's inclusion. Be aware that this mandate is not yet finalized, so confirm the radio capabilities of your specific model before finalizing any purchase.
The takeaway
Maintaining AM radio in vehicles ensures that families have a dependable link to broadcast news and emergency alerts, even in areas without cellular reception. When shopping for a new car, verify if your model supports AM/FM signals if you rely on these local broadcasts for your daily commute.
What happens next
The Senate is expected to consider the legislation during the post-election lame duck session scheduled for late 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about how the latest industry changes impact your driving experience in the Electric Vehicles section.
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Should the federal government mandate that all new automobiles must include AM radio?
