China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles Over Safety Concerns

China has banned hidden car door handles after regulators raised concerns about passenger safety and emergency access in modern vehicles. Authorities say flush and retractable handles can fail during crashes, power outages, or other emergencies, making it harder for occupants and rescuers to open doors.

China became the first country to prohibit these designs on electric vehicles, targeting a feature popularised by Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk. The decision follows growing global scrutiny of EV safety after several fatal incidents, including two deadly crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, where suspected power failures reportedly prevented doors from opening.

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Why China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles

Chinese safety officials say hidden door handles can slow rescue efforts after accidents, especially when electronic systems malfunction. Regulators argue that traditional mechanical handles allow faster and more reliable access in emergencies.

Under the new rules, automakers must install mechanical door releases on both the inside and outside of vehicles to receive approval for sale. The regulations will take effect on 1 January 2027. However, models that already have approval and are close to entering the market will have an additional two years to update their designs.

New Safety Rules and Global Impact

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology now requires every passenger door, except the boot, to include an exterior recessed space of at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm to ensure access to the handle. Inside vehicles, manufacturers must add clear markings measuring at least 1cm by 0.7cm to show occupants how to open doors manually.

Hidden handles remain common in China’s new energy vehicle market, appearing in around 60% of the top 100 best-selling NEVs, according to China Daily. While the ban applies only to vehicles sold in China, the country’s dominance in the global auto industry means the move could influence international design standards.

Tesla’s door handles already face investigation in the United States, and European regulators are considering similar rules. In November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into Tesla’s electrically powered door handles after reports that they failed unexpectedly, trapping passengers inside. The agency said it received nine complaints involving 2021 Model Y vehicles, with four owners breaking windows to free those inside.

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