In a move to enhance road safety, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) is set to introduce new regulations that will discourage the use of touchscreens for essential driving functions. Starting January 2026, vehicles assessed by Euro NCAP will be required to have physical buttons, dials, or stalks for critical controls such as turn signals, wipers, hazard lights, SOS calls, and the horn in order to secure a full five-star safety rating.
Why Euro NCAP Is Cracking Down on Touchscreens
The increasing dependence on touch-sensitive controls has been a growing concern among safety experts and drivers alike. While automakers favor touchscreen interfaces for their sleek aesthetics and cost efficiency, critics argue that they contribute to driver distraction, increasing the risk of accidents.
Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, highlighted the issue, stating, “The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes.”
Touchscreens vs. Physical Controls: A Growing Debate
Many car manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo, and BMW, have embraced touch-based controls as a futuristic approach to in-car interfaces. However, complaints from consumers and safety organizations suggest that these interfaces, while innovative, often compromise ease of use and safety.
Studies have shown that interacting with a touchscreen while driving takes longer than using a physical button, diverting the driver’s attention from the road. The new Euro NCAP requirements aim to address these concerns by ensuring that critical functions remain easily accessible without needing to navigate digital menus.
What This Means for Automakers
Although Euro NCAP testing is not legally mandatory, its five-star rating is widely recognized as a benchmark for vehicle safety across Europe. Many governments and insurance providers use these ratings to guide regulations and pricing, making them a crucial consideration for manufacturers.
Automakers that fail to comply with the new guidelines risk receiving lower safety scores, which could affect sales and customer confidence. While the transition may require redesigning certain features, industry insiders believe that manufacturers will adapt to maintain their competitive edge.
Automakers Already Adapting
In anticipation of these changes, some car companies have already begun reintroducing physical buttons and dials. Volkswagen, which faced criticism for over-reliance on touch controls in models like the ID.3 and Golf 8, recently announced a shift back to more traditional control layouts. Similarly, other automakers may reconsider their approach to infotainment systems in light of the upcoming regulations.
The Future of Car Interfaces
While touchscreens are unlikely to disappear entirely, a balanced approach integrating both physical and digital controls could emerge as the industry standard. Innovations such as haptic feedback, voice commands, and AI-driven interfaces might also play a role in making digital controls safer without compromising convenience.
As the 2026 deadline approaches, Euro NCAP’s initiative marks a significant step toward prioritizing driver safety over aesthetic and cost-cutting measures. With growing support from safety advocates and consumers, this move could reshape the future of car interior design, making driving safer for everyone.
