# China automotive R&D and safety regulation proposals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-automotive-rd-and-safety-regulation-proposals > Updated: 2026-10-23T21:56:27.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 4. Four Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), have released draft guidelines to tighten the management of automotive innovation, R&D testing, and safety standards. The measures aim to curb the production of ‘quick-fix cars’—vehicles brought to market with insufficient testing to secure market share. The proposed regulations mandate strict reliability and durability testing, including a minimum of 30,000 kilometers of road testing and a one-year environmental adaptation period. Starting January 1, 2027, new products must meet 51 additional technical parameters. Safety restrictions target specific innovative designs, such as prohibiting fully hidden door handles and restricting the use of ‘zero-gravity’ or rotating seats while a vehicle is in motion. Expanding on these safety concerns, the MIIT is reviewing the impact of distracting technologies. Authorities are considering rigorous assessments for large infotainment touchscreens, secondary displays, and heads-up displays (HUDs) regarding driver safety, crashworthiness, and reliability under extreme conditions. A blanket ban on flexible or folding displays may be implemented, a move that could impact tech-focused brands. Under the proposed GB 4094 standard, manufacturers may be required to provide physical buttons for approximately 19 essential functions, such as turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, and gear selection. Regulators are also investigating the use of voice commands for critical safety functions, such as operating headlights, doors, or hoods, and scrutinizing customizable LED daytime running lights. If enacted, all vehicles manufactured from January 1, 2027, must comply, while existing models may be required to meet specific requirements by July 1, 2027, to avoid potential recalls or production halts. ## Claims - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is preparing new vehicle safety regulations. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Foldable and flexible displays may be banned under the new rules. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Voice commands for headlights, doors, and hoods may be restricted. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new regulations aim to mandate physical controls for approximately 19 essential vehicle functions. (single source) - Physical buttons must have a surface area of at least 10 x 10 millimeters or be tactile. (single source) - New regulations would apply to vehicles produced starting January 1, 2027. (single source) - Existing models must be adapted by July 1, 2027, to comply with the new standards. (single source) - Non-compliant vehicles may face recalls or be removed from production. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: China proposes stricter regulations for EV interior technology China's MIIT is proposing new vehicle safety standards that would mandate physical buttons for key functions and restrict large, distracting touchscreens and folding displays in cars. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-proposes-stricter-vehicle-safety-regulations-for-displays-and-controls ### 2026-10-16: China urges automakers to resist irrational competition and prioritize safety Four Chinese ministries have urged major automakers to resist irrational competition and improve R&D testing to ensure product safety and prevent deceptive marketing practices. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-urges-automakers-to-resist-irrational-competition-and-prioritize-safety ### 2026-10-12: China proposes new regulations for automotive technology China's MIIT is proposing new automotive regulations to limit zero-gravity seats, flexible screens, and distracting in-car displays to enhance driver safety and prevent unvetted LED messaging. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-proposes-new-regulations-for-automotive-technology ### 2026-10-10: China issues draft guidelines to tighten automotive R&D and safety standards Chinese authorities have issued draft guidelines to tighten automotive R&D and safety standards, targeting 'quick-fix cars' by mandating rigorous testing and restricting certain innovative designs. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-moves-to-tighten-automotive-safety-and-testing-standards --- Cite as: China automotive R&D and safety regulation proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-automotive-rd-and-safety-regulation-proposals