China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is considering new rules that could restrict flexible and folding vehicle displays, large infotainment screens, head-up displays, reclining passenger seats and other interior features over safety concerns.

The proposal follows China’s earlier move against electronic pop-out door handles and efforts to ensure that important vehicle controls use physical buttons and switches. The latest notice indicates that regulators are examining whether increasingly digital vehicle interiors could distract occupants or create safety and reliability risks.

Displays could face safety assessments

Under the notice, large infotainment screens, additional displays and HUDs could be required to undergo evaluations covering driver safety, crash safety and reliability in extreme conditions before being supplied and sold.

The proposal could result in restrictions or bans on displays considered excessively distracting. The possibility may affect Chinese automakers, many of which are installing increasingly large screens, including displays designed to serve front-seat passengers.

Regulators may also introduce a blanket ban on flexible and folding screens in vehicles. No Chinese production vehicle is currently known to offer a folding display, although the technology exists and Chinese display manufacturer BOE previewed a curved screen earlier this year.

Other vehicle features under review

The notice also places several other modern vehicle features under scrutiny. One proposal could prohibit the use of “zero gravity” seats while a vehicle is moving. These seats typically recline and include extended leg rests. Although a driver would not normally use one while driving, passengers may be able to activate the feature during travel.

The notice does not specify why these seats are being investigated, but the review is presented in the context of vehicle safety.

LED daytime running lights that allow users to create their own designs are also being examined. In addition, regulators have proposed banning voice commands for critical safety-related functions, including operating the headlights, opening the doors and opening the hood.

Potential implementation timeline

If approved, the proposed rules would apply to vehicles manufactured from January 1, 2027. Vehicles already on the market would reportedly need to be updated by July 1, 2027.

CNEVPost reports that vehicles failing to meet the requirements could face recalls or removal from production. The notice remains a proposal, so the final scope of any restrictions and the requirements for affected vehicles have not yet been established.