China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will mandate physical controls for essential vehicle functions in all new cars starting July 1, 2027, to improve driver safety.

Key Points

• New regulations require physical buttons for turn signals, windshield wipers, window defrosters, and gear shifting.
• The mandate updates the GB4094-2016 national standard to ensure controls are operable by touch without requiring visual attention.
• Digital touchscreen gear shifters, similar to those currently used in Tesla models, will be prohibited under the new rules.
• Safety requirements specify that essential switches must have defined sizes and provide tactile feedback to the driver.
• Research from the University of Washington and Toyota Research Institute indicates that touchscreen interaction significantly increases cognitive load and driver distraction.

Why it Matters

This regulatory shift signals a major reversal in automotive interior design, prioritizing tactile ergonomics over the minimalist, screen-heavy aesthetic favored by many modern manufacturers. By forcing a return to physical interfaces, the policy could influence global vehicle design standards and pressure automakers to balance digital innovation with proven safety practices.