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NHTSA May Tighten Rules on Modern Car Door Handles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun evaluating whether new safety regulations are needed for modern vehicle door handles after several high-profile crashes raised concerns about occupants being unable to exit damaged vehicles. The review follows growing scrutiny of electronically operated door systems, particularly those used in many electric vehicles. The latest move comes after a petition asked regulators to determine whether the 2022 Tesla Model 3 complies with existing federal safety requirements regarding emergency door operation. Although NHTSA rejected that specific petition, the agency confirmed it is exploring broader safety standards that could affect every automaker selling vehicles in the United States. Why are door handles suddenly becoming a safety issue? Traditional mechanical handles rarely caused concern, but many newer EVs use flush, electronically controlled designs to improve aerodynamics. While these systems offer a cleaner appearance, they often replace direct mechanical linkages with electronic components that may not function after a severe collision. Concerns intensified following reports that multiple fatal crashes involved vehicles whose doors could not be opened after impact. Bloomberg previously reported that as many as 15 people died in Tesla crashes where access to the cabin became a serious issue. NHTSA is also conducting a separate investigation into Tesla after complaints that some owners were unable to unlock their vehicles, with incidents reportedly involving children and elderly passengers trapped inside. Could stricter regulations change future EV designs? Both Tesla and Rivian have already announced plans to revise aspects of their door handle systems, suggesting the industry is responding to growing safety concerns. However, creating and enforcing new federal standards is a lengthy process, meaning any regulatory changes are still likely years away. Will the next generation of electric vehicles prioritize simplicity over style?