European car safety body is coming for touchscreens. The European New Car Assessment Programme mandates that key controls need physical buttons or switches
politico.eu
Carmakers are equipping their latest models with fancy touchscreens, but that could cause problems with Europe’s largest car safety authority.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is revamping its rating system starting Jan. 1, 2026 to mandate that five of a car's primary controls — its horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights and SOS features — will need physical buttons or switches.
Car models will have to comply to get NCAP's coveted five-star rating. The scheme is voluntary but is heeded by most automakers because it's closely monitored by consumers.
Belgium-based NCAP says that purely digital controls are a potential safety issue.
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So when are they gonna wake up and finally do something about these automatic dimming headlights? They blind me regularly.
On a curvy street its impossible to not get blinded, no matter if the car is following me, or driving opposite way.
Who allowed that shit while clearly not testing it.
I feel like when I tell people in my life this, they act like I'm crazy. The only person who truly believes me is my partner, who has been graciously enduring every time I point out that someone has their brights/fog lights on. It is a constant in my life, getting blinded by assholes.
i dont even think they do it intentionally, its just how new cars "work".
I've droven cars that have that feature and you see alot more and it doesnt feel like you're blinding the other person.
But in reality you do, especially if you have a lower car and not a huge suv
I think it is a healthy combination of how cars work and inattentive drivers.