Carmakers are equipping their latest models with fancy touchscreens, but that could cause problems with Europe’s largest car safety authority.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is revamping its rating system starting Jan. 1, 2026 to mandate that five of a car’s primary controls — its horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights and SOS features — will need physical buttons or switches.

Car models will have to comply to get NCAP’s coveted five-star rating. The scheme is voluntary but is heeded by most automakers because it’s closely monitored by consumers.

Belgium-based NCAP says that purely digital controls are a potential safety issue.

  • @Num10ck
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    1206 months ago

    and opening the fucking doors

      • @SupraMario
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        376 months ago

        Not just Tesla, bunch of manufacturers are doing this shit now.

          • @SupraMario
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            76 months ago

            Yea I honestly hated when they made automatics go from a physical shifter that shifted actual gear linkage to electric selection dials. It’s insanely stupid, and a fucking nightmare to repair, but now going to a touchscreen is asking to get people injured.

      • @[email protected]
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        36 months ago

        Tesla has mechanical door pulls on the interior but they are supposed to be for emergency use only. Otherwise there are buttons on the interior door handles.