Congressional SAFE Exit Act Could Make Electric Door Handles Safer

It would force automakers to make manual override latches easier to use, as well.

Car Talk, Autos Jan 13, 2026 0 31 Add to Reading List

Congressional SAFE Exit Act Could Make Electric Door Handles Safer

Electric door latches, like those on the popular Tesla Model 3, may get a redesign if one Illinois legislator has her way. Congressional representative Robin Kelly introduced a bill January 6 that will ensure electric door handles conform to specific vehicle safety standards, as well as mandate clearly labeled mechanical emergency latches to allow the doors to open easily in the event of a power failure. The bill comes a couple weeks after Bloomberg reported that at least 15 people have been killed after being trapped inside Teslas with electric door handles, often as the result of smoke inhalation or fire following a crash.

Read Original