AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
3/6/2025, 9:06 AMSummary of Bill HR 979
Bill 119 hr 979, also known as the "AM Access in Motor Vehicles Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule mandating access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. The bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to this requirement.The main goal of this bill is to ensure that drivers and passengers in motor vehicles have access to AM broadcast stations while on the road. This is seen as important for providing important information, news, and entertainment to individuals while they are traveling.
If passed, the Secretary of Transportation would be responsible for creating and implementing a rule that would require all motor vehicles to have the capability to access AM broadcast stations. This rule would likely include specifications for the technology or equipment needed to enable this access. Overall, the "AM Access in Motor Vehicles Act" is aimed at promoting access to AM broadcast stations for individuals in motor vehicles, with the goal of enhancing communication and entertainment options for drivers and passengers.
Congressional Summary of HR 979
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 action to enjoin a violation.
The rule, including DOT’s authority to enforce it, must expire 10 years after the bill’s enactment.
Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM radio relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies.
