Euro NCAP Penalized Touchscreen Controls in 2026
New safety protocols now require physical buttons for essential functions to improve driver focus.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Automotive — General
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Euro NCAP implemented revised safety testing protocols in 2026 that penalize vehicles relying heavily on touchscreens for core operations. These standards mandate that essential features like indicators, wipers, and hazard lights must be operated via physical controls to maintain safety ratings.
Why it matters
The change addresses growing concerns over driver distraction caused by complex digital interfaces. By shifting focus back to physical inputs, these standards aim to ensure that drivers can manage critical vehicle functions without diverting their attention from the road.
Vehicles like the Audi Q7 and BMW iX3 earned perfect 100% scores for essential controls, while the Leapmotor B05 scored 0%. The protocols evaluate ease of use during a 2,000 km road test, with Xpeng X9, Aion UT, and Zeekr 7GT models scoring only 20%.
The players
Euro NCAP
An independent European organization that provides motoring consumers with a realistic assessment of the safety performance of cars.
Audi
A luxury German vehicle manufacturer known for integrating high-tech digital cockpits alongside traditional safety features.
BMW
A German premium automaker that emphasizes a balance between advanced driver-assistance technology and driver-focused ergonomics.
The details
The new protocols require that indicators, wipers, hazard lights, horns, and the eCall button operate using physical buttons or switches rather than software menus. Testers evaluate these features alongside speed assistance systems during a comprehensive 2,000 km road test. Automakers, particularly those expanding from China into the European market, may need to adjust their interior hardware to avoid low safety scores caused by an over-reliance on touchscreens.
Timeline
2026: Euro NCAP implemented revised safety testing protocols.
The Home Front
This shift marks a formal update to the Euro NCAP safety testing protocols that forces manufacturers to prioritize ergonomic safety over minimalist digital design. It represents a significant departure from the recent industry trend of migrating all cabin functions into a single screen.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, check the interior layout to ensure critical functions like hazard lights and wipers are accessible through tactile buttons. Prioritize models that maintain physical controls, as these are better aligned with the updated safety standards.
The takeaway
The move toward physical controls prioritizes driver focus during critical situations. When evaluating a new car, prioritize designs that offer dedicated physical switches for hazard lights and wipers to ensure your vehicle remains intuitive to use in an emergency.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry standards in Automotive — General.
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