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China Publishes Draft 2027 Steering Safety Rule That Effectively Bars Yoke Wheels

Regulators say steering mechanisms account for 46% of driver injuries.

Overview

  • MIIT’s draft mandates impact testing at 10 defined rim points, including the weakest and shortest unsupported sections, which yoke or half‑wheel designs cannot provide.
  • The standard forbids hard projectiles toward occupants during airbag deployment, citing irregular fragmentation risks from non‑round airbag covers.
  • It replaces the 2011 rules, tightens steering‑column displacement limits, and aligns the allowable horizontal force to 11,110 newtons in line with UN norms.
  • Starting January 1, 2027, new models must meet the rule at approval, while vehicles already in production get roughly 13 months to conform.
  • Yoke‑equipped models from Tesla, Lexus, IM Motors, and BaiduGeely’s Jiyue will require redesigns or compliant solutions such as steer‑by‑wire to continue in China.