China Is Leading The Fight Against Hidden Car Door Handles
China bans hidden car door handles, mandating mechanical releases for all new vehicles starting 2027 to prevent entrapment risks.
Matilda
China Is Leading The Fight Against Hidden Car Door Handles
Why China Just Banned Hidden Car Door Handles China has officially banned hidden, electronically actuated car door handles for all new vehicles sold in the country. Effective January 1, 2027, the new safety regulation—issued by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology—requires every passenger door to feature an external mechanical release that works independently of a vehicle's electrical system. The move directly targets a design trend popularized by Tesla and widely adopted across China's booming electric vehicle market. Regulators acted after multiple fatal crashes where occupants became trapped because electronic handles failed during power loss, making escape or rescue impossible without tools. Credit: Getty Images The Rise and Fall of a Sleek Design Trend Hidden door handles first gained mainstream attention as a signature feature of early Tesla models, promising improved aerodynamics and a minimalist aesthetic. The flush-mounted handles would pop open ele…
