China is considering banning retractable car door handles as they become safety problem
Published on Sep 14, 2025 at 6:35 PM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Sep 12, 2025 at 4:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
China is considering banning retractable car door handles, citing potential safety problems, in what could be a huge change for the industry.
Flush retractable door handles have popped up on more and more cars in recent years.
As well as boosting aerodynamics, it seems many car designers favor the streamlined look.
However, all of that could be set to change with China considering banning retractable car door handles.
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China is considering banning retractable car door handles
Several car companies in China have introduced retractable car door handles, like Deepal, Zeekr, and Geely, alongside international carmakers, like Tesla and Land Rover.
However, a big change could be coming as China is considering banning retractable car door handles.
According to a report in Car News China, discussions are already underway regarding new rules that would outlaw fully retractable door handles.
Traditional and semi-retractable door handles would still be allowed, but must include a mechanical backup that means doors can be easily opened in emergency situations.
Sources told the publication that a draft proposal for mandatory door handle stands could be finalized by the end of this month.
And, if implemented, could see a ban on fully retracted door handles on new cars sold in China as of July 2027.
“We have already notified various projects to implement this,” the source said.
There are several drawbacks to fully retractable doors, including the cost and reliability, as well as being prone to issues during extreme weather, such as freezing over.
They can also present problems when it comes to safety issues.
According to the National Accident In-depth Investigation System, there was a 47 percent rise in accidents caused by door handle failures last year, and retractable handles made up more than 80 percent of these.
Some carmakers have already made the change
If China does opt for a ban on fully retractable door handles, it could send shockwaves through the automotive industry.
But not all carmakers have decided to go all-in when it comes to hidden handles. Volkswagen uses semi-retractable handles on its vehicles.
Audi has also introduced semi-retractable handles and included a handy safety feature that makes it easy to get out in case of emergency.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
