A substantive modification. V2 introduces a new definition for "automated driving system" and adds a requirement for the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report evaluating potential adverse impacts of AM radio signals on vehicles with automated driving systems before issuing the main rule. Additionally, the general effective date for the rule is narrowed, and the sunset provision is changed to apply to the entire Act and reduced from 10 to 8 years.
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to preserve AM radio access in new vehicles, primarily for emergency communications, by making it a mandatory feature, while also studying the broader emergency alert landscape.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue a rule requiring all new passenger motor vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. to include devices capable of receiving and playing AM broadcast signals as standard equipment. It also requires an interim labeling for vehicles without AM radio before the rule's effective date and preempts state laws on the matter. The bill also mandates a comprehensive GAO study on emergency alert dissemination.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that AM radio is a critical, resilient, and accessible component of the national emergency alert system (IPAWS), especially during natural disasters or infrastructure failures when other communication methods may be unavailable. Ensuring its presence in vehicles is vital for public safety and national security, providing a reliable 'last resort' for information.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to the core goal is limited, some automakers express concerns about the technical challenges of integrating AM radio into electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference, and the potential for increased costs or stifled innovation. They suggest alternative digital emergency alert systems might be more effective and modern.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, allowing an informed reader to understand its provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025." This provides a concise and recognizable name for the legislation, making it easier to reference and discuss in public discourse and legislative tracking.
Supporters argue
A clear short title helps in public discourse and legislative tracking, making the bill's purpose immediately identifiable and facilitating public understanding.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are standard legislative practice and serve a practical naming function.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for this specific provision, as it is purely administrative.
Section 2
Definitions
This section defines key terms used throughout the Act, such as "AM broadcast band," "AM broadcast station," "automated driving system," "IPAWS," "manufacturer," and "passenger motor vehicle." These definitions are crucial for ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the bill's requirements across all relevant agencies and industries, providing legal clarity.
Section 3(a)
Mandate for AM Radio in New Vehicles
This core provision requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with FEMA and the FCC, to issue a rule within one year. This rule will mandate that all new passenger motor vehicles sold in the U.S., manufactured after the rule's effective date, must include devices capable of receiving and playing AM broadcast signals as standard equipment. It also allows for compliance through digital audio AM broadcast stations, specifically those using an In Band On Channel DAB System.
Section 3(b)
Pre-Rule Impact Report
Before issuing the final rule, the Secretary of Transportation must submit a report to Congress and make it publicly available. This report must evaluate any potential negative impacts of AM radio reception on automotive innovation and the safety of vehicles equipped with automated driving systems, as well as identify solutions manufacturers could use to mitigate these impacts.
Section 3(c)
Phased Compliance Deadlines
The rule's effective date is generally set for not more than 2 years after its issuance. However, a longer compliance period of at least 4 years is granted to small manufacturers (those who produced not more than 40,000 passenger motor vehicles for sale in the U.S. in 2022). This phased approach provides smaller companies with additional time to adapt to the new requirements.
Section 3(d)
Interim Labeling Requirement
For passenger motor vehicles manufactured between the bill's enactment and the rule's effective date that do not include AM radio, manufacturers must provide clear and conspicuous labeling to inform purchasers. Additionally, manufacturers are prohibited from charging an extra or separate monetary fee for AM radio access during this interim period, ensuring consumer transparency and fair pricing.
Section 3(f)
Enforcement Mechanisms
This section establishes civil penalties for violations of the rule issued under subsection (a), treating them as violations under existing federal motor vehicle safety law (49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(1)). It also authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions under 49 U.S.C. 30163 to enjoin violations, providing clear legal tools for ensuring compliance.
Section 3(g)
GAO Study on Emergency Alerts
The Comptroller General is required to conduct a comprehensive study on disseminating emergency alerts and warnings to the public. This study will assess the role of passenger motor vehicles in IPAWS communications, including AM radio, and compare the advantages, effectiveness, limitations, resilience, and accessibility of AM radio relative to other IPAWS technologies. It also evaluates whether other technologies can reach at least 90% of the U.S. population during a crisis. The study requires consultation with various stakeholders and a briefing/report to Congress.
Section 3(h) and 3(i)
Periodic Review and Sunset Clause
The Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with FEMA and FCC, must review the rule's impacts (including public safety) and potential changes to IPAWS technologies not less frequently than once every 5 years. Furthermore, the entire Act, including the Secretary's authority to carry out or enforce that rule, will sunset and no longer be in effect 8 years after its date of enactment.
This section preempts any State or local law, regulation, or other requirement applicable to access to AM broadcast stations in passenger motor vehicles after the date of enactment, ensuring a uniform national standard.
Section 3(e)
Why it matters:Preemption clauses are standard legislative practice in areas where Congress intends to establish a uniform national standard, preventing a patchwork of state and local regulations that could complicate interstate commerce and federal policy objectives.
Case for: Supporters argue that a uniform national standard is crucial for manufacturers, simplifying compliance and preventing a confusing array of state-specific requirements that could hinder interstate commerce and consistent public safety messaging.
Case against: Advocates for states' rights might argue that this provision infringes on local control and the ability of states to respond to unique local emergency communication needs or consumer preferences, limiting their legislative autonomy.
Estimated impact: This provision ensures that no state or local government can impose conflicting or additional requirements regarding AM radio access in vehicles, establishing federal supremacy on the issue.
This sub-paragraph explicitly excludes an "All-digital AM station" (as defined in section 73.402 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) from the definition of a "digital audio AM broadcast station" that manufacturers can use to comply with the mandate. Only "In Band On Channel DAB System" is permitted for digital compliance.
Section 2(8)(B)
Why it matters:This is a technical specification that clarifies the exact type of digital AM technology acceptable for compliance. While technical, it has significant implications for future broadcasting standards and automotive integration, potentially favoring one digital standard over another.
Case for: Proponents of this specific exclusion might argue it ensures compatibility with existing hybrid digital AM broadcasting systems (IBOC) and avoids potential issues with fully digital AM signals that may not be as widely adopted or compatible with current receiver technology.
Case against: Critics might contend that excluding "All-digital AM station" limits future innovation in AM broadcasting, potentially locking in an older digital standard and preventing the adoption of more advanced or efficient fully digital AM technologies in vehicles.
Estimated impact: This provision dictates the specific digital AM technology that manufacturers can use to comply, potentially influencing the future development and adoption of digital AM broadcasting standards in the U.S.