The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China has announced that cars with hidden (retractable) door handles will be banned in the country from January 1, 2027.
The ministry said that this design is unsafe. It is noted that during traffic accidents, hidden door handles are often blocked, which makes it difficult to open the car, as well as to provide timely assistance to the victims.
According to the new requirements, door handles must be able to open mechanically, independent of electronic systems. This requirement does not apply only to the tailgate.
In addition, both interior and exterior door handles must be clearly visible, and interior doors must be equipped with understandable markings. The transition period for cars with hidden handles that have already been approved for sale in China has been extended until January 1, 2028.
