- Euro NCAP will derate the safety of cars that rely on touchscreens for critical functions
- New rules to take effect in 2026
- Changes in Europe expected to affect American cars down the line
The European New Car Assessment Programme – more commonly known as Euro NCAP – will give lower safety ratings to new cars that are built without buttons, stalks, or dials for critical functions including turn signal indicators, hazard lights, windshield wipers, the horn, and emergency SOS calls. Basically, the most important accessories in a self-propelled vehicle – those to do with safety – must be operated by physical switches to qualify as safe.
“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,” commented Euro NCAP director of strategic development Matthew Avery. “New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.”
