00:21 04-02-2026

China's new car safety rules ban hidden door handles

China bans hidden door handles in cars from 2027 to enhance safety, requiring mechanical openings to prevent entrapment in emergencies. Learn how this impacts the automotive industry.

Chinese authorities have introduced new regulations that will significantly alter the approach to automotive design and safety. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has officially approved a document prohibiting the production of cars with hidden or fully electronic door handles. Starting January 1, 2027, every car door, except for the trunk, must have a mechanical method of opening from both the outside and inside.

Reasons for the Ban

This decision follows a series of incidents where owners were unable to exit their vehicles due to electronic mechanism failures during emergencies. TechCrunch notes that China is the first country to systematically study the problems associated with such solutions. Formally, these restrictions aim to enhance safety by eliminating the risk of passengers being trapped if onboard electronics malfunction.

Hidden handles gained popularity thanks to Tesla, where this feature served as part of the brand's signature design. However, representatives from the American automaker did not participate in the expert panel that prepared recommendations for the regulator. The group included around forty car manufacturers who supported the shift toward mechanical solutions.

Impact on the Automotive Industry

The ban means redesigning models with retractable or recessed handles. Many manufacturers will be forced to adapt new generations of vehicles to meet the requirements of what remains their largest global market. This regulatory change will affect the appearance of future models, but it will also reduce safety risks linked to electronic failures.

In practice, China's move signals that safety in automobiles is beginning to take precedence over flashy aesthetics. Abandoning hidden handles marks a first step toward revising design standards and could serve as a benchmark for other countries that might follow this example.