China will stop using non-standard steering wheels in cars, targeting Tesla steering columns

Brief summary of the news article

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (MIIT) has presented a draft update to the national standard GB 11557‑202X, which regulates steering safety in vehicles. The new document will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will include stricter requirements for protecting drivers from injuries that occur during collisions.

What changed
Point | Old version (GB 11557‑2011) | New version | Effective date
---|---|---|---
Technical description of the steering wheel | Allows “helmets” (steering wheels resembling a helm) | Non-standard designs prohibited; the wheel must be round | 2027
International consistency | Does not comply with latest UN standards | Compatible with UN R12 and other international norms | –
Impact test on a human | Exceptions allowed in some cases | All models must pass without exceptions | –
Threshold values for column offset | Not specified | Strict limits set for upward and rearward offset during collision | –
Steering wheel testing | No specific requirements for test points | Impact test at 10 rim points, including weak spots | –

Why it matters
1. Rise of electric vehicles
The new standard takes into account changes in vehicle design associated with the rapid development of EV technology.

2. Increased risk of injuries
According to Autohome, 46 % of driver injury accidents are related to steering control. Round wheels provide a larger area for cushioning, while helm-like designs increase the risk of secondary impacts.

3. Safety when airbags deploy
The new standard bans hard elements that can fly toward passengers when an airbag is deployed—a problem observed with helm-like designs.

4. Practical issues for drivers
Users report difficulty controlling the wheel with one hand and the risk of touching the dashboard during turns and parking.

What automakers should expect
- New models (from 2027) must fully comply with the updated standard.
- Existing models will likely receive a grace period of up to 13 months to adapt to the new requirements.

Conclusion
China is ready to strengthen driver protection from collision injuries by imposing stricter steering control requirements and eliminating helm-like designs. This change will affect both the design of new cars and their future operating practices.