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Under proposed regulation changes, cars will require physical buttons and controls for key functions, putting an end to reliance on touchscreens and voice commands.
The growing trend for touchscreen controls as the centre for operations on new vehicles is set to come to an end.
A new regulatory framework established by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) would require physical controls for the operation of certain vehicle functions.
While the changes are only enforceable for the Chinese market, the likely outcome would see export versions of Chinese cars retain the physical controls required domestically, and other global models adjusted to comply.
The MIIT regulations are currently in their draft proposal stage, but are set to come into effect from 1 July, 2027.
Specified functions covered by the draft regulations include physical controls for turn signals, hazard lights, horn, windscreen wipers, front and rear demisters, and emergency-call SOS services.
Other controls set to move to physical buttons include driver assistance system activation, power windows, and gear selection, although for the latter, on-screen shifting may still be allowed, provided it is not the only method of operation.
Many of the controls described in the proposed regulations are already activated by physical means in most modern vehicles, although some brands already use on-screen menus for wiper and headlight controls, among other functions.
The regulations go beyond describing which controls must have physical interfaces, and outline parameters that require controls to be safely operable without the need to look away, physical and audible feedback guides, and target dimensions to ensure ease of reach and operation.
Systems like media and entertainment controls, climate control systems and air vent outlets, and other secondary vehicle functions aren’t impacted by the changes.
The move follows adjustments to Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety assessment guidelines that can penalise cars that hide controls for functions like the horn, indicators, headlights, and hazards in touchscreen menus.
Unlike ANCAP, however, which is purely an assessment body, the MIIT is a regulatory body, meaning cars must comply by the given deadline or they will become ineligible for sale.
The MIIT usually offers a start date by which new vehicles to market must comply, with a later date for existing cars already on sale to meet regulations. In this instance, the changing regulations will apply only to new cars to market.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
