Chinese authorities have told automakers they have until January 2029 to phase out flush or hidden door handles on all new and existing models. The new rules require every car to have a handle that can be gripped directly by hand, with clear instructions inside for opening the doors manually in an emergency.

This rule comes after multiple deadly incidents where electric handles failed to pop out after a crash, trapping people inside. For manufacturers, the cost is huge, industry analysts estimate the changes will run into tens of millions of dollars as companies retool factories and redesign lineups. The government’s goal is simple: make sure no passenger is left stranded because a stylish handle would not work when it mattered most.

The hidden handle design goes back to classic cars like the Mercedes 300 SL, but Tesla brought it back to improve aerodynamics and squeeze out extra battery range. The problem? Most flush handles rely on electric motors to operate. If the car loses power in a crash or a fire, the handles can stay locked in place, making it nearly impossible for rescue teams to get passengers out quickly.

Investigations have linked these handles to over 140 official safety complaints and at least 15 deaths in Tesla vehicles, plus recent deadly accidents in Xiaomi electric cars where fire crews could not open the doors. In cold weather, the handles can freeze solid, and many older adults find them hard to use. Global attention is growing: US lawmakers have introduced the SAFE Exit Act to force all electric cars to have simple, mechanical release handles, while manufacturers like Kia are already changing designs to make handles pop out automatically. Tesla now promises easier manual release options on future models. As carmakers race to fix these issues, the era of hidden handles may be coming to an end everywhere.