Indicators, hazard lights, windscreen wipers, horn, and SOS features will have to be operated by proper switches for cars to get Euro NCAP's prized five star safety rating.

Euro NCAP. strategic development boss Matthew Avery said: "The overuse of touchscreens is a problem for the whole industry, with nearly every car-maker putting key controls on central touchscreens, forcing drivers to look away from the road and increasing the chance of distraction crashes.”

"New Euro NCAP tests coming in 2026 will make manufacturers use separate, physical controls for basic functions simply, cutting down eyes-off-road time and making driving safer."