S 3494 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires that new motor vehicles be equipped with amplitude modulation radio.

This bill requires all new motor vehicles sold or leased in New Jersey to include a radio capable of receiving AM radio broadcasts. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers and dealers by mandating this feature in all new vehicles (defined as those not previously sold to consumers). The bill cites AM radio's critical role during emergencies - providing long-range, reliable alerts when other communication fails, with 47 million Americans relying on it for public safety information. Violating this requirement would be considered a consumer fraud under existing law, punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026
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Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jim Beach
Jim Beach
DDemocratic
NJ
6