China introduces a new safety standard: yoke steering may be banned from 2027

China is preparing major changes to its automotive safety regulations. A new national standard designed to protect drivers from steering-related injuries effectively bans the use of so-called "yoke" steering wheels in mass-produced vehicles. The updated requirements could take effect as early as January 1, 2027, and will affect manufacturers of electric vehicles and innovative models.

Below are details of the new standard and its impact on the auto industry.

New Steering Safety Standard in China

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China has published a draft of the updated GB 11557-202X standard, which will replace the current 2011 regulation. The old standards no longer align with modern technologies, especially given the rapid development of electric vehicles and new types of steering systems.

The updated standard tightens safety requirements for the steering column and steering wheel in the event of a traffic accident. The document brings Chinese standards into line with international regulations, including UN requirements (Regulation R12), and introduces stricter tests for impact load and steering column displacement.

The main change is the elimination of exemptions from mandatory crash tests. Now, all vehicles must undergo steering mechanism injury safety tests without any exceptions.

Why “half-steering wheels” may be banned

The new standard effectively bans non-standard steering wheel shapes, including the half-round, top-less steering wheels popular with some manufacturers.

The document requires crash tests to be conducted on the steering wheel at ten key points, including structural weak spots. “Fork”- or yoke-style steering wheels lack some of these points, which means they will not be able to meet safety requirements.

According to statistics, about 46% of driver injuries in traffic accidents are related to the steering mechanism. A classic round steering wheel distributes the impact load more evenly, whereas semi-round designs can increase the risk of injury during secondary collisions.

Airbag Issues

Another important factor is how airbags function. The new standard prohibits rigid structural elements of the steering wheel from striking the driver’s face when an airbag deploys.

Semi-round steering wheels have a complex shape and may fracture unpredictably when the airbag deploys. This complicates testing and makes such designs less safe from the regulators’ perspective.

Practical Challenges for Drivers

In addition to safety concerns, drivers report inconveniences when using non-standard steering wheels:

• it is harder to steer the car with one hand;

• difficulties with parking and making turns;

• the need for larger steering angles in urban environments;

• accidental touches of touchscreens while maneuvering.

Such steering wheels are suitable for race cars with a minimal steering ratio, but they are less convenient for everyday use.

When Will the New Rules Take Effect?

The standard is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027.

After that:

• all new models will have to comply with the updated requirements;

• existing models may be granted a transition period of about a year to adapt their design.

How this will affect automakers

The new standard may force manufacturers to abandon half-wheel designs and return to traditional steering wheels. This is particularly relevant for brands that are actively implementing innovative solutions in electric vehicles.

Tighter safety regulations in China could also impact the global market, as many manufacturers use Chinese standards as a benchmark when developing new models.

Conclusion

China plans to introduce one of the strictest steering safety standards. The new regulations could effectively ban semi-steering wheels in production vehicles starting in 2027.

The main goal is to improve driver safety and bring requirements in line with modern electric vehicle technologies and driver-assistance systems.