LAWMAKERS has introduced a bill requiring new vehicles to include AM radio to keep drives safe from impending natural disasters and other emergencies.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the legislation on Wednesday after an alarming report showed that some new vehicles on the market do not feature the radio broadcasting system service.
A new law has passed that will ensure car owners have access to AM radio services[/caption]
Bipartisan lawmakers voiced their support for the legislation out of fear about the potential desolvation of amplitude modulation (AM) radio service in cars on the road.
AM radio services often deliver emergency alerts, news, and entertainment programs.
“With hurricane season in full swing, it has never been more important to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and ensure that this life-saving communication toll remains in vehicles,” Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey said.
The legislation will also require automakers to provide AM radio services to customers at no additional charge, fee, or surcharge.
Car manufacturers whose vehicles do not include AM radio technology must inform purchasers of it.
Automakers that fail to comply with the new legislation can be penalized by the Department of Transportation.
The Department of Justice could also bring a civil action lawsuit against the manufacturers.
Several popular vehicles, including Telsa, Polestar, and Rivian, do not feature AM radio service.
Tesla has not featured the radio broadcasting service in any of its newest models since removing the technology in 2018.
Ford introduced the 2024 Mustang without AM radio service.
But, as news of the impending legislation made rounds, Ford said it would reinstall the radio service.
Some automakers have argued against AM radio, calling it an obsolete technology.
Amplitude can be affected by the noise emitted from electric devices, including smartphones, televisions, computers, and electric vehicles.
When the radio signal is disturbed, it can lead to distortion and crackling sounds to transmit through the speakers.
Still, over 60 senators backed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
“The importance of AM radio during large-scale emergencies cannot be underestimated, and it has, without a double and without interruption, saved lives and kept our communities informed,” New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer said.
“When the cell phone runs out, the internet gets cut off, or the television doesn’t work because of no electricity or power to your house, you can still turn on your AM radio.”
The bill is to be passed in Congress at the end of the year.
What is the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act?
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed the House on September 18, 2024, which will ensure every vehicle come equipped with AM radio services
Amplitude modulation (AM) radio services often provide drivers with free access to emergency alerts, news, and entertainment programs.
What is the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act?
- The bill will require automakers to provide AM radio services to customers at no additional charge, fee, or surcharge.
- Car manufacturers whose vehicles do not include AM radio technology must inform purchasers of it.
- Automakers that fail to comply with the new legislation can be penalized by the Department of Transportation.
- The Department of Justice could also bring a civil action lawsuit against the manufacturers.
- The bill is expected to pass Congress by the end of the year.
