In a world-first safety regulation, China has announced a ban on hidden and electronically operated door handles on automobiles, effective January 1, 2027. The new rule, published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, requires all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes to have mechanical door releases that work from both the interior and exterior—even when the vehicle’s electrical system fails.
The Problem with Hidden Handles
Hidden door handles became a signature design feature popularized by Tesla and later adopted by numerous other electric vehicle manufacturers. These sleek, flush-mounted handles were embraced for both aerodynamic efficiency and modern aesthetics. Some models feature handles that lie flat against the vehicle’s exterior until they detect an approaching driver and automatically pop out.
But beneath the futuristic appeal lies a dangerous vulnerability: these electronically powered handles can malfunction after a crash or battery failure, trapping occupants inside and preventing first responders from reaching victims.
Tragic Consequences
The safety concerns aren’t theoretical. According to a Bloomberg investigation published in September 2025, at least 15 deaths have been linked to crashes involving Tesla vehicles where doors wouldn’t open. In some cases, occupants were unable to escape from the inside; in others, first responders and bystanders couldn’t reach victims because the electronic door locks weren’t receiving enough power from the vehicle’s battery system to function properly.
Fatal incidents in China, including a high-profile crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan, prompted Chinese regulators to take action. The problem extends beyond Tesla—according to Consumer Reports, manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, and Volvo all use some form of electronic door handles in their vehicle lineups.
What the New Rules Require
Under China’s new safety standards, every vehicle door (excluding the tailgate) must be equipped with a mechanically released external door handle that works without electrical power. Interior doors must also have mechanical releases that are clearly visible and not obstructed by other vehicle components.
This addresses a critical flaw in some current designs. While Tesla vehicles do include manual releases inside, federal investigators have noted that these releases can be difficult for children to access, and many owners are completely unaware they exist. In some Tesla models, passengers must remove a speaker cover and pull on a cable to manually release the rear doors—hardly an intuitive solution during an emergency.
A Global Issue
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations into Tesla Model Y and Model 3 door handles, as well as electronic door handle issues in the Dodge Journey. The agency has previously influenced recalls of Ford and Fisker vehicles for defects related to electronic door handles.
In January 2026, U.S. lawmakers introduced legislation in the House that would require automakers to include fail-safe manual releases on car door interiors and provide a method for rescue workers to enter vehicles from the exterior. However, China is the first country to officially ban the design.
What This Means for Automakers
The new regulation will affect both domestic Chinese manufacturers—including BYD, Geely Holdings, SAIC, and Xiaomi—and foreign automakers selling vehicles in China, such as General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. More than 40 vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, and testing institutions participated in developing the standards, with input from over 100 industry experts.
While the ban applies only to vehicles sold in China, it could influence global automotive design standards. China and the U.S. are both massive auto markets, though they operate largely independently due to tariffs and technology restrictions that effectively block most Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market.
The Bottom Line
China’s ban on hidden door handles prioritizes human safety over sleek design. When seconds count in an emergency, a door handle that works every time—without power, without instructions, without hidden releases—can mean the difference between life and death.
As one Chinese government infographic explained, the new rules address “issues including inconvenient operation of exterior door handles and inability to open them after an accident.” It’s a straightforward solution to a problem that should never have existed in the first place.
For accident victims trapped in burning or submerged vehicles, and for first responders racing against time, this regulation could save lives. The question now is whether other countries will follow China’s lead.
Sources: – NPR: “China bans hidden car door handles, a design popularized by Tesla” (February 3, 2026) – TechCrunch: “China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles” (February 2, 2026) – Bloomberg: Investigation into Tesla door safety issues (September 2025) – China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology safety standards – U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations – Consumer Reports automotive safety analysis
