China has finalized new regulations requiring automakers to install physical buttons for critical safety functions in vehicles, countering the industry-wide shift toward touchscreen-only controls. The move, set to take effect in July 2027, marks a significant policy intervention in response to concerns about driver distraction and usability.
China’s New Button Requirement
The Chinese government has finalized a regulation mandating that 19 specific vehicle functions must have physical controls inside the car. This policy, announced as a draft in February and confirmed this week, aims to address safety concerns associated with the increasing reliance on touchscreens for essential operations.
The regulation covers functions such as turn signals, hazard lights, horn, PRND gear shifter, driver assist systems (if present), windshield wipers, windshield defroster, power windows, emergency call system, and the power-off switch for electric vehicles. Additional requirements specify the size and usability of these buttons to ensure they are accessible and easy to operate.
Implementation Timeline and Scope
Automakers selling vehicles in China must comply with the new rules by July 1, 2027. The regulation follows an earlier ban on hidden door handles, which will come into effect on January 1, 2027. These measures reflect a broader push by Chinese regulators to prioritize safety and user experience in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
Industry Background: The Rise of Touchscreens
Over the past decade, automakers have increasingly shifted vehicle controls onto central touchscreens, citing benefits such as streamlined design, simplified parts management, and the ability to update interfaces via software. Tesla has been a leading proponent of this trend, with its vehicles—starting from the Model S prototype—placing most controls, including gear shifting and wiper operation, on a large central display.
Chinese EV startups have also widely adopted screen-centric interfaces, further accelerating the move away from physical buttons. However, this approach has drawn criticism for making it harder for drivers to access essential functions quickly, especially if the screen lags or malfunctions.
Competitor Comparison
While China is now mandating physical controls, Europe has already introduced similar requirements: vehicles must have physical buttons for certain functions to achieve the highest Euro NCAP safety rating. In contrast, the United States has not yet implemented comparable regulations, leaving automakers with more flexibility in their interface designs.
Historical Context
The trend toward touchscreen-dominated interiors began in earnest with Tesla’s early models and was quickly adopted by both Western and Chinese automakers. In recent years, some manufacturers have started to reintroduce physical buttons or stalks in response to customer feedback and safety concerns, but China’s new regulation marks the first large-scale, government-mandated reversal of this design direction.
Why this matters
China’s regulation is a direct response to growing concerns about driver distraction and the reliability of touchscreen interfaces for critical safety functions. By requiring physical controls for essential operations, regulators aim to reduce the risk of accidents caused by delayed or missed inputs during emergencies or system failures.
This policy could influence global automotive design standards, especially as China remains the world’s largest car market and a leader in electric vehicle adoption.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in China can expect to see more vehicles with dedicated physical buttons for key safety features starting in 2027. Those considering imported or locally produced EVs should be aware that models relying solely on touchscreen controls may soon be phased out or redesigned to comply with the new rules.
For international buyers, especially in Europe, similar requirements are already in place for top safety ratings. In the US, regulatory changes may lag behind, but consumer demand for safer, more intuitive controls could drive manufacturers to adopt similar designs.
Key Specs
- Effective Date: July 1, 2027
- Number of Functions Requiring Physical Controls: 19
- Examples of Required Functions: Turn signals, hazard lights, horn, PRND gear shifter, driver assist, windshield wipers, defroster, power windows, emergency call, EV power off
- Earlier Regulation: Ban on hidden door handles effective January 1, 2027
- Regional Scope: China (with similar rules in Europe for Euro NCAP top rating)
Source
Images sourced from: arenaev.com, cbsnews.com
