China to Ban "Half-Spoke" Steering Wheels Starting 2027

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has recently approved a new mandatory national standard (GB 11557-202X), which explicitly bans the use of "yoke-style" steering wheels starting January 1, 2027. The standard aims to enhance driver safety during collisions by requiring the steering wheel rim to pass impact tests at 10 specific points—a requirement that yoke-style designs cannot meet due to their incomplete structural geometry. Official data indicates that 46% of driver injuries originate from the steering wheel assembly, and yoke-style wheels offer a smaller cushioning area, posing higher risks in accidents. Previously, brands such as Tesla and Lexus introduced vehicles featuring this design in the Chinese market. Notably, China has also recently banned flush-mounted electric door handles for similar safety reasons. Currently, no such ban exists in the United States.