Multiple Departments Propose Regulations for Virtual Controls Replacing Physical Buttons in Vehicles

36Kr reports that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments have jointly issued a notice (for public comment) on strengthening management of automotive product innovation design and R&D testing verification. The draft proposal states that vehicles using virtual controls (touch buttons, pressure-sensitive buttons, etc.) to replace traditional physical buttons must comply with standards such as 'Technical Conditions for the Safety Operation of Motor Vehicles' (GB 7258) and 'Signs for Automotive Controls, Indicators and Signal Devices' (GB 4094), and complete assessments on touch reliability, anti-misoperation performance, and feedback clarity. For functions critical to driving safety (lights, wipers, defrosting/defogging, etc.) that use virtual controls, manufacturers must evaluate operational convenience, reliability, and safety across various driving scenarios while also providing physical controls. Emergency control devices such as emergency escape mechanisms, emergency braking systems, and drive system power cut-off devices must feature physical controls and prominent markings to facilitate emergency operation.