China Bans Yoke Steering Wheels Next Year

China's safety regulators intend to prohibit yoke-style steering wheels in new vehicles from January 1, 2027. This measure is part of a comprehensive vehicle safety initiative aimed at protecting drivers. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has submitted a draft for approval that would outlaw these aircraft-style steering devices.

The primary concern driving this ban is the potential for yoke steering wheels to inflict greater injury on drivers during crashes. Official figures indicate that over 46 percent of driver injuries originate from the steering mechanism itself. A separate study highlighted that traditional circular wheels offer more cushioning, while open-designed yokes increase the risk of direct impact with the steering column or dashboard in secondary collisions.

Under the new safety guidelines, new cars will need to pass ten impact stress tests on their steering wheels. These tests are designed to assess protection levels and the potential for rim fracture. Notably, certain test points, such as the 'midpoint of the weakest area,' do not exist on yoke-style wheels, raising questions about their ability to meet the new standards.

This steering wheel ban aligns with China's broader 2027 vehicle safety overhaul, which includes prohibiting sales of new cars with hidden or 'pop-out' door handles. This prior measure was implemented after reports of occupants being trapped in crashed vehicles. The MIIT cited 'inconvenience with operating exterior door handles and their inability to open after an accident' as reasons for the door handle ban.

Several car manufacturers, including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Peugeot, are currently developing or have recently introduced yoke-style steering wheels in their models, often with electronic steer-by-wire systems. While these manufacturers believe their systems will mitigate the usability issues that plagued Tesla's earlier yoke design, China's planned ban preempts their widespread adoption in the Chinese market.

The new steering wheel regulations will apply to new car models from January 1, 2027. Existing vehicles in showrooms will receive a grace period of up to 13 months to have yoke-style wheels removed. The regulations also prohibit hard projectiles facing occupants during airbag deployment, addressing concerns highlighted by the Takata airbag scandal.