China Mandates Manual Car Door Handles for Emergency Access

China has become the first nation in the world to introduce mandatory vehicle design standards aimed at making it easier for rescuers and occupants to open car doors after a crash.

Under the new regulation, all vehicles sold in the country must be equipped with doors that can be opened mechanically from both the inside and the outside, such as through traditional manual handles. The rule is set to come into force in 2027.

The move comes amid growing global debate over the safety of sleek, electrically operated and hidden door handles, which were first popularised by Tesla and later adopted by a number of other automakers. While these designs offer a modern aesthetic, concerns have been raised that they can hinder emergency access if a vehicle’s power system fails following an accident.

Chinese regulators say the new requirement is intended to ensure that first responders and passengers are able to quickly and reliably gain access to vehicles in critical situations, potentially saving lives. The decision could influence other countries to consider similar safety-focused design standards in the future.