Life Motoring

Hidden door handles in cars banned in China for safety reasons

Fahad Redha

February 3, 2026
3 min read

Hidden door handles in cars banned in China for safety reasons

China has banned cars, including electric vehicles (EVs) from having hidden door handles after the feature faced criticism for safety. This comes after two fatal crashes in China with EVs made by Xiaomi where power failures prevented the doors from being opened, trapping the occupants inside. The new rule will take effect on 1^st January 2027

Under the new rules, all cars sold in the country must come with mechanical door releases both inside and outside the vehicle, ensuring that occupants are able to escape even if there is a power outage in the car, as well as making it easier for people on the outside to rescue the occupants.

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The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has ruled that the outside of every passenger door, other than the boot, must have a recessed space, no smaller than 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm, allowing access to the handle. On the inside, they must be at least 1cm by 0.7cm to allow the door to be opened.

Cars that were on the way to production will have two years to update their design before being sold in the Chinese market, including models from Western manufacturers such as Tesla that also use hidden door handles.

Hidden door handles are a common sight on electric vehicles such as the Jaguar I-Pace (pictured), improving aerodynamics and allowing for slightly better range from the battery. They are flush with the car’s body when locked or driving, only popping out when the car is unlocked. Many owners of these vehicles have criticised the feature, and some have found it to be less effective in the winter where the handles can freeze and not pop out.

While the law only applies to the Chinese market, it is likely to have a knock-on effect that could force car makers to make their models sold globally meet the same requirements. It could also inspire lawmakers elsewhere to follow suit.

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