China Moves to Curb Giant Car Screens and Gimmicky Features

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a public consultation on a draft regulation that would tighten control over in-car technology. The text focuses on four areas: touchscreen size, zero-gravity seats, customizable lights and flush door handles. The stated goal is safety.

The draft arrives after Chinese brands made a strong showing at the 91st Paris Motor Show, with a series of eye-catching technologies on display.

Screens and seats under scrutiny

Oversized displays raise an obvious ergonomic issue: drivers often have to dig through submenus for simple tasks such as setting the cabin temperature. The ministry asks manufacturers to assess how these screens distract drivers, and to examine their reliability and safety in a crash. Concrete measures could follow, including an outright ban on foldable and flexible screens.

Zero-gravity seats, a signature of premium models, are also in the authorities' sights. The draft suggests tougher collision, anti-pinch and reliability tests. The ministry even advises limiting their use, or banning it in certain situations.

Messages on lights and door handles

Customizable lights that can display messages or draw patterns could face strict oversight. Some senior ministry officials fear unauthorized content could appear on the road. Manufacturers are urged to actively moderate whatever is shown, and anything deemed sensitive could be banned, although the feature itself would remain.

Flush door handles are the best-known issue, since they have been linked to serious accidents in the past. The ministry has already published several handle designs it considers safe, taking into account grip, location and mechanism. A manual emergency release would also be required so doors can still be opened after a crash.

The consultation is the first step: the measures are still a draft and may change before becoming final. For carmakers selling in China, the world's largest car market, the outcome could shape how interiors and exteriors are designed.