New safety standards for vehicles
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China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has published the draft of the mandatory national standard GB 11557-202X “Safety requirements for the protection of drivers from injuries caused by vehicle control mechanisms”. This document, which will enter into force on January 1, 2027, foresees significant changes in the design of vehicle control devices, especially regarding the adoption of non-traditional solutions.
Prohibition of “steering wheel” type control
The most notable change introduced by the new standard is the complete removal of any technical provisions for “steering wheel” type controls, or the newly introduced oval or rectangular “corners”. This means that Chinese regulators are very wary of any unconventional solutions in the field of steering mechanisms.
The trend towards simplicity and security
This decision is in line with the trend towards simpler and more intuitive control design that has become increasingly popular in recent decades. Such an approach is believed to increase driver safety by reducing potential injuries in the event of accidents that could be caused by complex or unusual controls. Similar adjustments were made to the hidden door handles, also a visible trend towards simplicity and functionality often embodied by companies like Tesla.
Conclusions and future perspectives
The new standard indicates the Chinese government’s efforts to ensure a higher level of safety in vehicles while promoting the use of stable and proven solutions. This could have implications for automakers considering integrating innovative but non-traditional control systems into their next-generation models. These changes will take effect in about two years, giving the industry time to adjust.
date:2026-02-13 18:24:00
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