The days of squeezing as many vehicle functions into a touchscreen are coming to an end. Recently, China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) finalised a draft regulation (first announced in February) that requires automakers to implement physical controls for specific vehicle functions, many of which are related to safety. Europe has already enacted something similar, requiring physical controls to earn the top Euro NCAP safety rating.
These include turn signals, hazard lights, horn, PRND gear selector, driver assistance systems, windshield wipers, defroster, power windows, emergency call system and power off switch for electric vehicles (EVs), just to name a few.
The aim is to ensure such vehicle functions are accessible, meaning drivers are easily able to locate and operate critical buttons, knobs and switches without having to take their eyes off the road. This isn’t always the case with touchscreens which can be distracting to use or bury functions within layers of menus.
In fact, the ministry stated the standards revision is necessary as touchscreens still suffer from lag, software freezes and complete digital blackouts that can render vehicles unsafe to operate. The draft regulation even lists some technical requirements such as a minimum surface area of 10 x 10 mm for buttons, a minimum spacing of four mm between controls, auditory feedback as well as a need for tactile feel via either surface differences, gaps or ridges.
China isn’t waiting long to fix the proliferation of using screens for everything in modern cars, as the regulation is set to come into effect on July 1, 2027. New vehicle models applying for type approval must comply with the physical control mandate within 13 months of the implementation date, while models already approved will receive a 19-month grace period to phase in physical controls.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
About damn time, also physical Aircon vents need to be in there. It’s insane we have to control it through damn screen on some cars.
No big deal..air con control in screen doesnt bother me..people are just nitpicking
Good job China….you are not allowed to use your handphone while because of safety but you can tap frantically to switch on a mere aircond on your big display…..its as dangerous as using your phone while driving. China GETS IT RIGHT!
Aiya..you dont act sane lah…dont tell me not even once you didnt touch your phone durinf driving
next upcoming car evolution will be car equipped with AI. driver and passenger must communicate verbally with the car soon. No more touching twisting pressing pulling the swtiches buttons stalks levels knobs