KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Euro NCAP new saftey protocol for 2026
- Bring back the physical buttons
- Driver drowsiness detection will account for 25 points
The European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is pushing automakers to bring back physical buttons for basic features such as hazard lights, wiper controls, and air conditioning. Starting January 2026, cars that fail to implement these changes will receive fewer safety points and definitely won't earn a 5-star rating. In today's car-buying decisions, Euro NCAP - or any NCAP - plays a major role, as safety has become a top priority. Let's learn more about it! In the meantime, do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on the latest automotive updates.
Also Read: Upcoming Audi Q3 Bags 5-Stars In Euro NCAP Crash Test
Euro NCAP
This new safety assessment protocol, which will be implemented from January 2026, makes physical control buttons mandatory in order to achieve a perfect 5-star rating. Even the most tech-savvy drivers will agree that driving a modern car has become a tedious job, as even for the most basic functions, one has to take their eyes off the road to operate the giant, laptop-sized screen that houses every essential feature.
For example, to turn on hazard lights, defoggers, wiper controls, volume, and even air conditioning.
Everybody hates it, and it does elevate the risk of mishaps, especially during heavy traffic. To minimize this risk, Euro NCAP has stepped in and introduced a rule requiring automakers to bring these changes to new cars in order to achieve a perfect 5-star safety rating. After all, if a car doesn't have a full safety rating, potential customers hesitate to buy that particular model - as these points now have a huge impact on buying decisions.
Other New Changes In Protocol
To add more, the new protocol states that all paramount information - such as speed, lights, and assistance systems - should be positioned at an angle easily visible to the driver, so they don't have to focus too much to read it while driving.
Additionally, driver drowsiness detection, which is a part of ADAS, now accounts for 25 points. This means the software must be more responsive and advanced, capable of detecting whether the driver is drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Yes, that's how advanced Euro NCAP wants this safety feature to be. Lastly, for child safety protection, there are now 5 points allotted. Cars must include seat-belt alerts for rear passengers, and airbags should inflate based on the occupant's size and posture.
Also Read: Volkswagen Golf GTI Earns 5-Star Safety Ratings In Euro NCAP Crash Tests
Verdict
This is great news, as it addresses one of the most irritating parts of driving modern cars - especially those with just a single giant screen. These screens are the gateway to operate almost every function in the car, and using them while driving feels like a task. It's also dangerous, as anything can happen in a fraction of a second, especially in countries like India.
Brands like Volvo will be heavily impacted by this change, as they'll now have to redesign the entire interior, make space for physical buttons, and even update the hardware. This will increase production costs, but we can all agree - it's for the greater good.
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