China to Ban Hidden Car Door Handles Over Safety Concerns

China will ban hidden or flush door handles on cars sold in the country starting January 1, 2027, citing safety concerns.

The new regulations, announced Monday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will require all vehicles to have mechanical release handles on both the interior and exterior of doors. Cars already approved for sale will be given an additional two years to comply, according to media reports.

The ministry said the move aims to "improve the level of automotive safety design," responding to growing concerns over sleek, aerodynamic car doors that may become inoperable during crashes.

A high-profile incident in October in Chengdu highlighted the issue when rescuers were reportedly unable to open the doors of a burning Xiaomi electric vehicle. The driver, said to be under the influence, tragically died.

Under the new rules, all doors except the tailgate must feature a mechanical exterior handle, while interior handles must be clearly visible and marked with permanent graphics. These standards are designed to ensure passengers can quickly exit vehicles in emergencies.

Flush or retractable door handles, first popularized by Tesla with the 2012 Model S, fold into the car body to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. Though Tesla is the most well-known brand for this design, Chinese automakers, including Xiaomi and Aion, have also adopted similar handles.

China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market, is the first country to implement such a ban. Industry analysts say the regulation could affect vehicle design choices and production timelines for automakers both domestically and abroad.

The ministry emphasized that the regulation does not target any single company but applies universally to all vehicles sold in China.