China has officially banned hidden and retractable car door handles starting January 1, 2027, citing safety concerns. The regulation makes China the first country in the world to outlaw the design feature popularized by Tesla and widely adopted by electric vehicle makers. Automakers have until 2029 to redesign existing models.

BEIJING, China — February 3, 2026 — The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced new safety rules that prohibit concealed or flush-mounted car door handles in all vehicles sold in the country. The ban, which takes effect in 2027, requires that every car door must have a visible mechanical handle with a recessed space measuring at least 60 mm by 20 mm to allow passengers to grasp and open it easily. Inside, cars must also display signage at least 10 mm by 7 mm indicating how to open the door.

The move comes after growing concerns that hidden door handles, while sleek and aerodynamic, pose serious risks during emergencies. Safety experts warned that in cases of power failure, electronic malfunction, or crashes, passengers and rescuers may struggle to open doors if no mechanical release is available. 

“Car doors must be able to open from either side mechanically, like by lifting a handle,” regulators explained, stressing that the new rules are designed to prevent people from being trapped inside vehicles.

The ban will affect a wide range of popular models in China, including the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and other new energy vehicles. Reports indicate that about 60 percent of the top 100-selling EVs in China currently feature hidden or retractable handles. Automakers whose models have already been approved will be given until January 1, 2029, to comply with the redesign requirements.

Industry analysts say the regulation could reshape global EV design trends, as China is the world’s largest auto market. Manufacturers may be forced to rethink their approach to aesthetics and aerodynamics in favor of safety compliance. 

While flush handles have been praised for reducing drag and enhancing modern styling, the new law underscores China’s priority on passenger safety over design innovation.

The decision has sparked debate among car enthusiasts and automakers worldwide. Some argue that the ban could slow down innovation in vehicle design, while others believe it sets a precedent for prioritizing safety standards internationally. For now, China’s ruling marks a significant shift in automotive regulation, positioning safety as the ultimate driver of design.

Innovation Meets Its First Emergency Test

Automotive design often celebrates sleekness, efficiency, and visual novelty. Yet emergencies strip away aesthetics and expose how features perform when power fails, systems crash, or seconds matter.

China’s ban on hidden door handles reframes innovation around failure scenarios, not showroom appeal. By prioritizing mechanical access, regulators signal that safety is measured by usability under stress, not by how seamlessly technology disappears from view.

If innovation cannot function in its worst moment, should it define progress at all?