China requires new cars to have physical buttons, limiting reliance on screens.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) plans to mandate the installation of physical buttons for key operational features starting in 2027 to minimize distractions and enhance safety.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has proposed a new draft regulation requiring automakers to equip vehicles with physical controls for essential functions such as turn signals, windows, and driver assistance systems. This regulation is expected to become a mandatory standard for all new vehicles manufactured in the market starting July 1, 2027.
Put an end to the overuse of touchscreens.
In recent years, the Chinese automotive industry, particularly the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, has witnessed a race to design minimalist cockpits. Most physical buttons have been eliminated and replaced by a large central control screen that integrates almost all functions, from entertainment to basic operation.
However, this trend has met with mixed reactions. The Vice President of Geely Group once stated that the domestic automotive industry is being influenced by a "blind trend." Integrating too many features into touchscreens forces drivers to take their eyes off the road to operate them, creating potential safety risks.
List of features that require physical buttons.
According to a draft national standard prepared by MIIT with the participation of major units such as the China Automotive Research and Technology Center, Geely, BYD, and Great Wall Motor, key control components must be easily accessible and operateable without looking at the screen (blind operation). This helps minimize distractions caused by visual information from the display screen.
| System group | The required functions have physical controls. |
|---|---|
| Lighting & Signaling | Turn signals, hazard lights, horn. |
| Drive | Gear shift system (P, R, N, D) - Screen-only operation is not permitted. |
| Driver assistance | The switch activates the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). |
| Safety & Emergency | Windshield wipers, heated/defrosted windshield, power windows, emergency call system (AECS). |
| Electrical operation | Main power switch for electric vehicles. |
Strict technical standards for push buttons.
In addition to listing features, MIIT also provides detailed technical requirements to ensure the effectiveness of physical buttons. Specifically, the effective operating area of each button must be at least 10 mm x 10 mm. The position of the buttons must be fixed so that users can remember and operate them without looking.
More importantly, these buttons must provide clear tactile or auditory feedback when activated. Reliability is also key: these basic operating functions must remain available even if the vehicle's infotainment system experiences software failures or sudden power outages. Currently, the draft is undergoing public comment before official release.
