China Proposes Regulations for Virtual Car Controls
Chinese authorities are drafting new rules for the use of virtual controls in vehicles, aiming to ensure driver safety and usability for critical functions.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), along with other agencies, has drafted proposed regulations concerning the implementation of virtual controls in vehicles. The proposal aims to ensure that while virtual controls, such as touch buttons and pressure-sensitive pads, can replace traditional physical buttons, certain safety-critical functions will still require physical counterparts.
According to the draft, vehicles adopting virtual controls must meet existing safety standards. Furthermore, these virtual controls will need to undergo specific validation tests assessing their reliability, accidental activation prevention, and clarity of feedback to the user. This applies to all vehicle interfaces.
Functionality directly impacting driving safety, such as controls for lights, wipers, and defrosters, will still require physical controls, even if virtual alternatives are present. This is intended to ensure drivers can operate these essential functions quickly and reliably under various driving conditions. Additionally, emergency controls related to vehicle safety, like escape devices and power cut-off systems, must feature physical controls with clear markings for immediate operation.
The proposed regulations seek to balance the trend of modernizing vehicle interiors with technological advancements while prioritizing driver safety and ease of use. The draft is currently open for public comment, and its final form will be determined based on feedback received.