The French Senate has voted by a significant majority in favour of proposed legislation to modernise radio, marking an important step towards safeguarding access to broadcast radio in connected vehicles.
Introduced by Senator Laurent Lafon, the bill would require all new vehicles, including passenger cars, vans and trucks, to be equipped with FM and DAB+ radio reception. It also proposes extending DAB+ compatibility requirements to all new radio receivers sold in France.
The inclusion of commercial vehicles follows efforts by industry organisation Ensemble pour le DAB+, helping ensure that access to radio is protected for a wider range of drivers and passengers.
The vote comes at a critical time for radio's future in the automotive environment. As vehicles become increasingly connected and digital interfaces evolve, ensuring that radio remains prominent, accessible and easy to use is more important than ever.
Broadcast radio continues to provide free, reliable access to news, entertainment and essential information, including during emergencies when other communication networks may be disrupted.
A positive signal for Europe
The French Senate's decision sends an encouraging signal as discussions continue at European level about the future of radio in connected vehicles.
The bill, adopted by the Senate on 13 October 2026, will now progress through the French legislative process, with consideration by the National Assembly.
Radio Ready for Connected Cars welcomes this development and the efforts of industry partners working to safeguard radio's future.
It reinforces the coalition's shared ambition: ensuring radio remains easy to find, simple to use and readily accessible in the connected cars of today and tomorrow.
