China to Ban Yoke-Style Steering Wheels by 2027 Due to Safety Concerns
China is set to prohibit the use of yoke-style steering wheels in vehicles by January 1, 2027, citing significant safety concerns. This regulatory change stems from new safety standards introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which views these unconventional steering mechanisms as a potential hazard to drivers. The forthcoming ban will impact both domestic and international automotive manufacturers operating within China, compelling them to adapt their designs to comply with stricter safety protocols. This move underscores a global trend toward enhanced vehicle safety, as governments assess new automotive technologies for their long-term viability and impact on occupant protection.
The yoke-style steering wheel gained prominence with its introduction in certain Tesla models, such as the Model S and Model X, starting in 2021. Following Tesla's lead, several other car manufacturers, including Lexus in the US and various Chinese brands, began adopting this distinctive design. However, Chinese authorities have recently escalated their scrutiny of the yoke-style steering wheel, ultimately determining it to be an unsafe component. This regulatory action is formalized through the draft of the mandatory national standard GB 11557-202X, which specifically addresses the protection of drivers from injuries caused by vehicle steering mechanisms. This updated standard will supersede the existing GB 11557-2011, which has been in place for over a decade, reflecting China's commitment to modernizing its automotive safety regulations.
A core reason behind the ban is the incompatibility of the yoke steering wheel with new impact testing requirements. The revised safety standards mandate impact tests at ten distinct points along the steering wheel rim. These points, including those in the 'midpoint of the weakest area' and the 'midpoint of the shortest unsupported area,' are inherently absent in the design of a yoke-style steering wheel. This structural disparity prevents vehicles equipped with such steering wheels from meeting the new safety benchmarks. Furthermore, Chinese officials have revealed that a considerable portion of driver injuries, approximately 46 percent, are linked to the steering mechanism itself. The reduced buffer zone offered by the yoke design, compared to traditional circular steering wheels, is believed to heighten the risk of severe injuries during collisions.
This initiative follows China's previous ban on concealed electric door handles, another feature that gained popularity through Tesla. The earlier ban was enacted after several incidents raised concerns about the safety and functionality of these handles. As China prepares to enforce the yoke steering wheel ban, it signals a broader regulatory push towards prioritizing driver and passenger safety over aesthetic or novel design choices in the automotive industry. While there are no immediate indications that similar bans will be implemented in the United States, the precedent set by China may influence future safety discussions and regulations in other major automotive markets.