Europe and China Join Forces to Halt In-Car Touchscreen Trend, Mandate Physical Buttons for Critical Functions

Faced with safety risks posed by the proliferation of large in-car touchscreens, Europe and China are pushing for a return to physical buttons. Starting January 2026, new regulations from Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) will require vehicles to feature physical controls for critical functions—including turn signals, windshield wipers, hazard lights, horn, and emergency calling—to qualify for a five-star safety rating. Vehicles relying solely on touchscreens will be penalized. Although not legally binding, achieving a five-star rating is crucial for automakers. Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released a draft proposal mandating that these essential functions must be operable via physical buttons measuring at least 10×10 millimeters, ensuring drivers can operate them without diverting attention to a screen. Volkswagen, once a pioneer of the “buttonless” trend, has acknowledged its overreliance on touch controls as a “mistake” and is gradually reintroducing physical buttons. Tesla is also reportedly considering bringing back traditional turn-signal stalks. The consensus in both major markets is clear: safety and usability should not be sacrificed for the sake of a sleek, tech-forward aesthetic.