Summary
Makes car companies include AM radio as standard equipment in new cars to ensure public access to emergency alerts and local broadcasts.
What problem does this solve?
Some car makers are removing AM radios from new vehicles, which could cut people off from the national emergency alert system. This bill forces manufacturers to keep AM radios in cars as a standard feature, at no extra cost to the buyer.
Who does this affect?
- Automobile manufacturers
- New car buyers
- AM radio broadcasters
What does this bill do?
Mandates AM radio in new cars
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to create a rule that makes AM radio receivers standard equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S.
Sets compliance deadlines for car makers
Gives most car manufacturers up to two years after the rule is issued to comply. Smaller manufacturers, who made 40,000 or fewer cars in 2022, are given at least four years.
Prohibits extra charges for AM radio
Forbids manufacturers from charging buyers an extra fee for having an AM radio in their vehicle.
Requires a study on emergency alerts
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how effective different technologies, including AM radio, are at delivering emergency alerts to the public.
Includes a sunset provision
Specifies that the entire law and any rules created under it will expire and no longer be in effect eight years after it is enacted.
Requires labeling for cars without AM radio
Requires manufacturers to clearly label any new car sold without an AM radio before the rule's effective date, informing the buyer of its absence.
Blocks state laws on AM radio
Prevents states or cities from creating their own laws or rules about AM radio access in cars.
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures access to a reliable emergency alert system
Maintains public access to the national emergency alert system. AM radio is a simple and dependable way to send out important safety information to many people at once, especially during disasters when other communication systems might fail.
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Forces an outdated technology on a modern industry
Critics argue this law stifles innovation by forcing manufacturers to include AM radio, a technology that can be difficult to integrate into electric vehicles due to signal interference. It may also be seen as a government handout to protect the AM broadcast industry.
When does this start?
A final rule must be issued within one year of the bill's passage, with different deadlines for car makers to follow the new rule.
Rule creation deadline
The Secretary of Transportation must issue the final rule requiring AM radio in cars no later than one year after the bill becomes law.
Compliance for large manufacturers
Most car manufacturers must comply with the new rule within two years after it is officially issued.
Compliance for small manufacturers
Car manufacturers that produced 40,000 or fewer vehicles in 2022 have at least four years after the rule is issued to comply.
Emergency alert study briefing
The Government Accountability Office must brief Congress on its study of emergency alert systems within one year of the bill's passage.
Law expiration date
This entire law and its requirements will automatically end eight years after the date it is enacted.