China to Ban ‘Spaceship’ Steering Wheels and Retractable Door Handles in Recent Safety Push

China is poised to significantly reshape automotive safety standards, announcing plans to ban unconventional steering wheel designs – often dubbed “yokes” – and controversial retractable door handles. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued a draft of a new mandatory safety standard, set to take effect January 1, 2027, that effectively makes homologation of vehicles with these features nearly impossible.

Yokes Face Extinction

The move targets steering wheels that deviate from the traditional circular design, such as those found in some Tesla and Lexus models. These “yoke” style steering wheels, resembling aircraft controls, have drawn criticism for potentially compromising safety. The new regulations require impact testing at ten specific points around the steering wheel rim. Vehicles with half-wheel designs, lacking the upper portion of the rim, cannot meet these requirements.

According to Carscoops, Chinese authorities cite accident data indicating that the steering mechanism is responsible for up to 46% of driver injuries. A traditional circular steering wheel provides a crucial protective buffer in a collision, while open “stick” designs may increase the risk of injury.

Retractable Door Handles Too Scrapped

Alongside the steering wheel ban, China is also prohibiting retractable door handles, often referred to as Tesla-style handles. This decision follows several high-profile crashes where occupants were trapped inside electric vehicles due to the handles malfunctioning or being difficult to access in emergency situations. Carscoops reports that the MIIT released the new rules on February 13, 2026.

Broader Safety Crusade

These changes are part of a broader effort by China to enhance vehicle safety standards. The MIIT has recently tightened regulations on automated driving systems and banned concealed pop-out door handles. Carscoops highlights that essential safety functions must now have physical buttons, moving away from reliance on touchscreen controls. Turn signals, hazard lights, gear selection and emergency calling are among the functions requiring dedicated, tactile controls with a minimum surface area of 10mm x 10mm.

Impact on Automakers

Automakers like Tesla and Lexus, who offer these features, will need to modify their models for the Chinese market to comply with the new regulations. Companies have approximately 13 months to adapt their vehicles before the standard takes effect. This move is expected to influence interior design trends, pushing manufacturers towards more conventional and safety-focused layouts.

Key Takeaways

• China is banning “yoke” style steering wheels and retractable door handles starting January 1, 2027.
• The decision is driven by safety concerns and accident data analysis.
• The new regulations require specific impact testing points on steering wheels, making unconventional designs non-compliant.
• China is also mandating physical buttons for essential safety functions.
• Automakers will need to adapt their vehicles for the Chinese market to meet the new standards.