Chinese officials are taking a significant step towards ensuring vehicle safety by proposing the return of traditional physical switches to the passenger compartment of cars. This decision comes after noticing the increasing trend of manufacturers, such as Tesla and Xiaomi, moving towards embedded controls and touchscreen-functionality, which has raised concerns regarding driver distraction and overall road safety. The Ministry of Industry has outlined that essential functions, including turn signals, gear selectors, windshield wipers, window controls, and emergency calling systems, should rely on tangible buttons instead of solely on screens.

The proposal specifies that these physical controls should have a minimum area of 10 x 10 millimeters to ensure usability, indicating a shift back to more traditional automobile designs in contrast to modern, minimalist trends that prioritize sleekness and tech integration. The use of screens for driving functions has been criticized for potentially impairing driver's attention and increasing the risk of accidents. This move has been met with a variety of reactions, and authorities are currently gathering feedback regarding the proposed regulations until April 13.

Earlier in the year, China already banned embedded door handles in electric vehicles, indicating a growing concern over safety in the automotive sector. This suggests a broader regulatory trend aimed at balancing innovation in vehicle technology with safety standards. As such measures are implemented, there may be implications for car manufacturers who need to adapt to these regulations while trying to maintain their competitive edge in an evolving market.