After Tesla door handles, China now declares war on half steering wheels

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced a significant shift in automotive safety regulations, banning "Yoke" steering wheels, or half-steering wheels, in new vehicles from 2027. This decisive action stems from concerns that these unconventional steering devices pose a safety risk during crucial crash tests, potentially endangering drivers. The move signals a growing emphasis on standardized safety protocols within China's rapidly evolving automotive sector, impacting both domestic and international manufacturers operating in the market. The new safety standards mandate a fully enclosed steering wheel structure, a direct response to the failures of half-steering wheels in rigorous safety evaluations. While specific technical details of the testing methodologies are not elaborated, the core requirement is a design that ensures complete functionality and driver control under extreme conditions. This prohibition directly addresses the design choices popularized by some electric vehicle manufacturers, pushing for a return to more traditional and proven steering wheel configurations. This regulatory change will affect manufacturers who have adopted or considered Yoke-style steering wheels, necessitating design revisions and potentially impacting product development timelines. The broader implication is a reinforcement of safety as a paramount concern in vehicle design, potentially influencing global automotive safety standards and design philosophies. For consumers, this ensures a baseline level of safety regardless of innovative, but potentially riskier, interior design choices.