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A 4820

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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Hutchison

Requires that all new motor vehicles sold in NJ include AM radio capable of receiving AM broadcasts.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4820

Legislative Bill Summary: A-4820 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Title

Requires that new motor vehicles be equipped with AM radio.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure that new motor vehicles sold or leased in New Jersey include a radio capable of receiving AM (amplitude modulation) broadcasts.
  • Based on the premise that AM radio is a long-range, reliable channel for public safety information during disasters and emergencies, and that some manufacturers are moving away from AM radio, potentially reducing access to critical information for travelers.

Key Provisions

  1. Definitions

    • AM radio: A radio capable of receiving amplitude modulation transmissions.
    • Motor vehicle: As defined by existing New Jersey law (R.S.39:1-1).
    • New motor vehicle: A vehicle not previously sold to a person other than a distributor, wholesaler, or dealer for resale.

  2. Unlawful Practice

    • It is unlawful to sell or lease a new motor vehicle in New Jersey unless the vehicle is equipped with a radio capable of receiving AM broadcasts.

  3. Regulatory Authority and Rulemaking

    • The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs may promulgate rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to effectuate the bill’s purposes.

  4. Effective Date

    • The act takes effect one year after enactment.

  5. Enforcement and Penalties (as part of general framework)

    • A violation would be treated as an unlawful practice under the consumer protection statute (P.L.1960, c.39, C.56:8-1 et seq.).
    • Penalties: Up to $10,000 for a first offense; up to $20,000 for subsequent offenses.
    • Possible remedies: cease-and-desist orders by the Attorney General, punitive damages, treble damages, and costs to the injured party.

Who/What is Affected

  • Covered Entities: Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and dealers of new motor vehicles in New Jersey.
  • Consumers: Individuals or entities purchasing or leasing a “new motor vehicle” in the state.
  • New Vehicle Stock: Vehicles that have not been previously sold to a retail buyer (i.e., new vehicles).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is currently introduced and referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.
  • If enacted, the provision becomes effective one year after enactment, allowing manufacturers and dealers time to ensure compliance.
  • The regulatory framework would be established by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs through rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Summary of Impact

  • Public Safety/Public Information: Maintains access to AM broadcast information during emergencies for travelers in New Jersey.
  • Manufacturer Compliance: Requires a hardware capability (AM radio) in all new vehicles; potential implications for vehicle design, especially for future EVs or models prioritizing other communications systems.
  • Enforcement: Strong consumer protection penalties and potential for injunctive relief to ensure compliance.
  • Costs/Trade-offs: Possible incremental cost to vehicle production; however, the bill does not specify a cost framework.

Notable Context

  • The bill cites FEMA and public safety concerns about removing AM radio from vehicles and the potential impact on receiving vital public-safety information during disasters.
  • It aligns with a broader public safety objective to preserve essential emergency communications even as technology evolves.

If you’d like, I can provide a section-by-section comparison to existing NJ consumer protection and automotive equipment requirements, or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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