China Proposes Mechanical Car Door Handle Rules for Passenger Safety

(Photo credit: droidsans)

China’s regulatory authorities have released a draft law titled “National Standards for Car Door Handle Safety”, which is expected to be enforced by July 2027. The proposed regulations aim to improve passenger safety by requiring mechanical door handles, even as hidden or electrically operated handles gain popularity.

The draft was opened for public comment from September 24, 2025, to November 22, 2025, providing guidelines for manufacturers to enhance both the design of door handles and overall vehicle safety.

Key Requirements in the Draft

1. All vehicle doors (excluding the trunk) must have mechanical exterior handles.
2. In case of an accident causing battery overheating, doors on the unaffected side must open without tools.
3. Exterior handles must provide sufficient space for gripping: at least 60 × 20 × 25 mm.
4. All interior handles must open mechanically, without the need for external tools.
   If an electric handle is installed, a mechanical backup handle must also be provided.
5. Interior handles must be clearly visible, within 300 mm from the door edge, and easily accessible from the passenger seat.

According to Rong Hui, Deputy Director of China Automotive Standards Research Institute, the standards were developed through research with over 20 companies and 63 car models, and validated through testing on 20 vehicles. More than 100 industry experts from domestic and international manufacturers, suppliers, and testing institutions contributed to the development process.

The draft emphasizes three main safety priorities:

• Structural control of door handles
• Ensuring doors can open during power failures
• Standardizing handle positions with visible safety markers
  
  

While retractable and electric handles are increasingly popular, this draft highlights the potential safety risks if the electrical system fails during an accident, which could trap passengers inside the vehicle.

Manufacturers will need to adapt door handle designs to comply with the new safety standards ahead of enforcement in 2027, ensuring enhanced protection for vehicle occupants.

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