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Enough with All the Screens! New National Standard to Add Requirements for Physical Controls in Cars

New Energy Vehicle Network 2026-02-19 09:33:45

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, the Equipment Industry Department I of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in conjunction with the National Technical Committee for Auto Standardization, has revised the mandatory national standard "Symbols for Controls, Indicators, and Signals on Motor Vehicles." A draft for comments has been formed and is currently open for public consultation.

The document explicitly states that physical controls should be equipped for functions such as turn signal activation/deactivation, window operation, and activation of combined driving assistance systems.

Lights: Turn signal, hazard warning lights (hazard flasher), horn

Gear types: P/R/N/D gears (pure screen shifting is prohibited)

Driving Assistance: Combined Driving Assistance System (Intelligent Driving) Activation Switch

Safety / Emergency: Wipers, Defrost/Defog, Window Lifters, Emergency Call (AECS), Electric Vehicle Disconnect Switch.

The physical component technical requirements (key details) were also announced, such as dimensions (effective operating area ≥ 10mm*10mm), usability (fixed position, blind operation capable, with haptic/auditory feedback), and reliability (basic functions remain available even if the vehicle system crashes/loses power).

It is reported that this revision adds new types and technical requirements for physical controls, aiming to enhance driving safety, ensure that critical controls are reachable, usable, and largely operable by touch during driving. This allows drivers to perceive the trigger results of controls without over-reliance on visual cues, reduces distraction caused by displays, and further guarantees the reliability and effectiveness of control operations.

Feedback sought. Mandatory enforcement for newly produced vehicles is expected from July 1, 2026, but no modifications are required for vehicles already sold; normal use is permissible.

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Enough with All the Screens! New National Standard to Add Requirements for Physical Controls in Cars

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