AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
4/12/2025, 7:41 PMSummary of Bill S 315
Bill 119 s 315, also known as the "Access to AM Broadcast Stations in Passenger 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 passenger motor vehicles. The bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to this requirement.If passed, this bill would ensure that all passenger motor vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology to access AM broadcast stations. This would allow passengers to listen to AM radio while traveling in their vehicles, providing them with important news, information, and entertainment.
The bill does not specify the exact requirements or timeline for implementation, leaving those details up to the Secretary of Transportation to determine through the rulemaking process. However, the overall goal of the legislation is to ensure that AM broadcast stations remain accessible to the public, even as technology continues to evolve. Overall, Bill 119 s 315 seeks to preserve access to AM radio for passengers in motor vehicles, recognizing the continued importance of this traditional form of media in today's digital age.
Congressional Summary of S 315
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.
Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including (1) an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) communication technologies, and (2) the integration of new technologies and communication platforms into the IPAWS framework.
