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China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles
China has instituted a ban on hidden car door handles, requiring mechanical releases for all vehicles sold in the country by January 1, 2027. This decision stems from safety concerns after fatal incidents involving concealed handles, including issues with Tesla's design. The comprehensive new regulations aim to improve vehicle safety and ensure that all car occupants can exit safely in emergencies.
Key points
- China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published new safety rules banning hidden, electronically-actuated door handles.
- These rules are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, mandating mechanical releases for all car doors.
- Fatal incidents involving trapped occupants, particularly in electric vehicles, prompted this regulation.
- Tesla's vehicles faced scrutiny after investigations into their hidden door handles revealed failures during emergencies.
- Over 40 domestic manufacturers, suppliers, and experts collaborated on these new safety standards from May 2025.
Why it matters
- The rise of electric vehicles has highlighted new safety concerns, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny.
- The global automotive industry is facing similar safety demands, with proposed regulations for manual door releases in the U.S.
- Prior incidents, including crashes involving Xiaomi and Tesla vehicles, emphasize the need for robust emergency exit systems.
China's ban on hidden car door handles represents a significant shift in automotive safety standards, addressing critical vulnerabilities in design and prompting the industry to prioritize user safety moving forward.