The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle" Act
Sep 18, 2026, 2:45 PM ET
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Inside Radio reports, in a decisive move on Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R.979) via a voice vote. With more than 300 bipartisan cosponsors, the legislation faced little doubt regarding its support, though bringing the bill to the floor for a full vote had previously been the primary obstacle. The passage marks a major milestone for broadcast advocates, emergency response organizations, and millions of listeners across the nation.
Under the provisions of H.R.979, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is directed to issue a rule within one year requiring AM broadcast reception as standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The law specifies that AM radio must be easily accessible to drivers without incurring additional fees. Automakers may meet this requirement using equipment capable of receiving digital audio AM station signals.
Prior to finalizing the regulation, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must present a report to Congress analyzing potential impacts of AM signal reception on vehicle innovation and safety, particularly concerning automated driving systems, along with technical solutions to mitigate electromagnetic interference. Once issued, the rule will generally take effect within two years. Small-volume manufacturers that produced 40,000 or fewer passenger vehicles for U.S. sale in 2022 will be granted an extended timeline of at least four years to comply.
During the interim transition period prior to full implementation, any vehicle sold without AM radio functionality must carry clear consumer disclosures and cannot charge buyers extra for future access. Failure to comply with eventual regulations could trigger federal civil penalties and formal enforcement actions.
Following its House passage, the bill advanced to the Senate, where a companion measure previously cleared committee in February 2025. With 61 Senators currently signed on as cosponsors, the bill holds enough bipartisan support to overcome potential filibuster hurdles when brought to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
