China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology plans to introduce a new mandatory national safety standard beginning January 1, 2027. The updated regulation replaces a safety framework that has not been revised in more than a decade. Under the new rules, steering wheels must pass impact testing at ten specific points around the rim. These include critical structural areas such as the midpoint of the weakest section and the shortest unsupported section, points that do not physically exist on a yoke style wheel.

According to data released by Chinese officials, 46 percent of driver injuries in crashes originate from the steering mechanism itself. Regulators believe the yoke design offers less protective surface area than a traditional circular wheel, increasing the risk of serious injury during frontal impacts. The move follows China’s recent crackdown on hidden electric door handles after multiple safety incidents. For regulators, the priority is clear: conventional designs offer more predictable crash protection.

Tesla popularized the yoke steering wheel in 2021 with the refreshed Model S and Model X, giving the interior a dramatic aircraft inspired look. In China, several automakers followed Tesla’s lead, introducing similar steering designs in premium electric models. Lexus also adopted the concept in markets such as the United States with the electric RZ, pairing it with a drive by wire system.

If the new regulation moves forward as planned, vehicles sold in China after 2027 will likely need to return to a traditional circular steering wheel design. There is currently no indication that the United States or other regions plan to implement similar bans. For now, Tesla continues offering the yoke in certain models, but China’s decision could influence global safety discussions. As one of the largest automotive markets in the world, regulatory changes in China often ripple across the industry.