Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is at the center of a new U.S. congressional safety bill aimed at addressing risks linked to modern electronic car door designs, which lawmakers say can fail during crashes or power outages and leave passengers trapped inside vehicles.
The bill focuses on one clear concern. During crashes or power failures, some Tesla doors do not open easily from the inside. As a result, drivers and passengers may become trapped. Lawmakers argue that no design choice or cost-saving measure should put lives at risk.
By bringing this bill forward, Congress is sending a strong message. Safety must come before style. Innovation must never come at the cost of human life. The proposal aims to make emergency exits clear, visible, and easy to use for everyone, including children and older adults.
How Tesla’s door handle design created a safety challenge
For many years, car doors worked in a simple way. People pulled a handle, and the door opened. This design relied on basic mechanical parts. It worked even when the car lost power. Most importantly, anyone could understand it instantly.
Tesla changed that approach. The company introduced electronic door handles that rely on buttons or sensors. When a driver presses the button, the system sends an electronic signal to open the door. This change helped Tesla achieve a smooth, modern look. It also improved aerodynamics and fit the company’s futuristic image.
However, this design introduced a serious risk. When a Tesla loses power during a crash, the electronic door system may stop working. In such situations, doors can stay locked. This makes it difficult or even impossible for people inside to escape quickly.
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Federal law already requires all vehicles, including Tesla models, to have manual door releases. These releases serve as a backup when electronic systems fail. Yet, in many Tesla vehicles, these manual releases are hidden. They often sit under trim panels, inside armrests, or in places that are not clearly marked.
Because of this, many drivers do not know where the manual release is located. In an emergency, panic and confusion make the problem worse. Passengers may waste precious time searching for a release they have never seen before. As a result, safety investigators have raised alarms, and some Tesla models are now under federal investigation.
Lawmakers argue that a safety feature only works if people can find and use it quickly. If the manual release is invisible or unlabeled, it fails its purpose.
What the SAFE Exit Act demands
To address this issue, Congress introduced the Securing Accessible Functional Emergency Exit Act, known as the SAFE Exit Act. This bill would require Tesla and all other automakers to install manual emergency door releases that are easy to see and easy to reach.
Under the bill, Tesla vehicles would need clearly marked manual releases. Drivers and passengers should be able to open doors without power, tools, or instructions. The goal is simple. Anyone inside a car should escape quickly during an emergency.
Supporters of the bill stress that they do not oppose new technology. Instead, they want balance. Technology should support safety, not replace common sense. When systems become too complex, they can fail in critical moments.
If the bill becomes law, Tesla would likely need to redesign several vehicles. This includes current models as well as future ones like the Cybertruck and the planned Cybercab. Such redesigns could create delays because modern car doors already contain many components. These include side airbags, speakers, windows, locks, wiring, and electronic mechanisms.
Adding visible manual releases would require space and careful planning. For Tesla, this could mean production slowdowns. It could also add pressure to a company that already faced declining sales in 2025. Still, lawmakers insist that safety concerns outweigh manufacturing challenges.
The bill applies to all automakers, but Tesla remains at the center of the debate. Many companies copied Tesla’s door design after it became popular. As a result, the law could reshape the entire auto industry.
Why Tesla safety changes could benefit consumers and EV adoption
The push for clearer door safety does not stop in the United States. Other countries have also taken action. China banned hidden door handles late last year. This decision already forced automakers, including Tesla, to rethink their designs for that market.
Because Tesla sells cars worldwide, global pressure adds urgency. If both China and the United States demand visible manual releases, manufacturers may adopt safer designs across all markets.
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For consumers, these changes could increase trust. Many people already like Tesla vehicles for their performance, technology, and lower running costs. Electric vehicles save money on fuel and require less maintenance. Charging at home can reduce costs even more compared to public chargers, which often cost much more each year.
Some Tesla owners also install home chargers and solar panels. Using solar energy to charge a Tesla can lower electricity bills and reduce reliance on the grid. These savings make electric vehicles more attractive to families.
However, safety remains a key concern for many buyers. Stories of people trapped inside Tesla vehicles after crashes create fear. By requiring visible emergency exits, the SAFE Exit Act could ease those worries.
Supporters believe that stronger safety rules could help electric vehicles gain wider acceptance. When people feel confident that they can escape a car in an emergency, they are more likely to consider switching to an EV.
The bill reflects a basic principle. No matter how advanced a Tesla becomes, simple safety must always come first. Clear doors, clear exits, and clear choices can save lives.
