House Passes Bill to Mandate Free AM Radio in New US Vehicles
House approval moves free AM radio closer to becoming mandatory in new US vehicles, backed by 60 Senate co-sponsors despite key EV interference concerns.
Summary
On September 16, 2026, the House overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make AM radio standard, at no additional consumer cost, in new cars, trucks and SUVs. The bill now heads to the Senate, where sponsors Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Ted Cruz of Texas secured 60 co-sponsors, the threshold needed to overcome a filibuster. Democrats, Republicans, broadcasters, emergency responder groups and former Federal Emergency Management Agency administrators support the mandate because AM signals travel long distances and can distribute emergency information. Markey and Cruz said the service remains essential to tens of millions of Americans.
BMW, Rivian, Tesla and Volvo have moved from AM toward software-defined vehicles offering TuneIn and SiriusXM, although Ford reversed earlier removals. Automakers say electromagnetic interference from electric motors can degrade AM reception and audio quality. Base Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles lack AM receivers. Rivian’s R2 has neither an AM nor FM receiver but provides both services free through iHeartRadio, while the R1S and R1T offer FM digitally or through a built-in receiver. Senate passage is the next step.
Positives
- 60 Senate co-sponsors give the bill enough declared support to overcome the chamber’s filibuster threshold.
- House lawmakers overwhelmingly approved free, standard AM radio for new cars, trucks and SUVs.
- Long-range AM signals can distribute critical information when emergencies disrupt other communications.
- Ford restored AM radio after previously removing it from some vehicles.
- Rivian provides free AM and FM access through iHeartRadio in the receiver-free R2.
Risks & concerns
- Electric motors can create electromagnetic interference that degrades AM reception and audio quality.
- BMW, Rivian, Tesla and Volvo have shifted away from conventional AM in software-defined vehicles.
- Base Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles do not include AM receivers.
- Rivian’s R2 omits both AM and FM receivers, relying instead on digital iHeartRadio access.
- Senate approval remains necessary before the House-backed mandate can advance toward law.