If you love your current car setup, brace yourself—2026 is bringing a wave of regulations that will force major changes in how vehicles are built and how drivers interact with them. In an effort to improve safety, reduce emissions, and modernize transportation, federal and state agencies are cracking down on outdated and potentially risky tech. The result? Some banned car features will soon vanish from future models, even if drivers still rely on them every day. Here are six features that are getting phased out and what they mean for your next vehicle.
1. Manual Door Locks Without Power Backups
You might not think twice about manually locking your doors, especially on older or budget-friendly models. But starting in 2026, new safety regulations will require all vehicles to have power-operated door locks with emergency overrides. This change is aimed at improving rescue operations in emergencies like car accidents or flooding. Cars without automatic locking systems may no longer meet compliance, even if they’re mechanically sound. While this feature feels basic, its ban is tied to life-or-death access concerns.
2. Halogen Headlights
Halogen headlights have been a standard in cars for decades due to their low cost and ease of replacement. However, by 2026, automakers will be phasing them out in favor of LED or laser lighting, which offer improved visibility and energy efficiency. Critics of halogens argue they provide inferior night-time illumination and contribute to higher accident rates. Some countries and states have already begun limiting their use, and federal standards are following suit. For drivers who still rely on halogen bulbs, this shift means adapting to newer lighting systems.
3. Touchscreen-Only Climate Controls
While touchscreens have modernized dashboards, they’ve also led to driver distraction, especially when used for essential functions like adjusting heat or A/C. New vehicle standards in 2026 will require physical knobs or buttons for critical controls to reduce distracted driving risks. The move comes after studies revealed that drivers take longer to perform tasks like changing fan speeds on screens compared to physical dials. This ban won’t impact existing cars but will reshape how dashboards are designed in future models. If you rely on touchscreens, expect to see more tactile controls returning soon.
4. Rearview Mirrors Without Backup Cameras
Backup cameras have been required in new vehicles since 2018, but 2026 regulations will go a step further by eliminating rearview mirrors that don’t integrate digital displays. This includes traditional mirrors that lack dynamic guidance lines or real-time alerts. The goal is to standardize enhanced visibility systems across all trims and manufacturers, improving safety in parking and reversing situations. If you drive a car with a plain mirror, you may be surprised to learn it won’t be legal in new models going forward. The change reflects a growing shift toward digital driver assistance systems.
5. Internal Combustion Engines in Certain States
California and several other states are implementing bans on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, but 2026 is a major checkpoint. Starting that year, many regions will stop registering new non-hybrid gas cars that fail to meet increasingly strict emission standards. While this isn’t a federal ban, the impact on nationwide car availability will be huge. Automakers are already shifting production to meet these early targets, meaning certain ICE models may disappear sooner than expected. Drivers who still depend on gas-powered cars should start watching these legal trends now.
6. Keyed Ignition Systems
If you still turn a metal key to start your engine, that experience is going extinct. Starting in 2026, manufacturers will no longer include traditional keyed ignitions in most new vehicles, switching instead to push-button or biometric start systems. The change is being driven by theft-prevention efforts, as keyed ignitions are easier to bypass. Insurance claims for stolen cars with old-school keys have influenced this regulation heavily. While nostalgic for some, this banned car feature will soon be a relic of the past.
The Future Is Coming—Whether You’re Ready or Not
The automotive world is shifting quickly, and the features many drivers still rely on won’t survive the next wave of safety and technology mandates. These banned car features may feel familiar or even preferred, but regulators are betting on innovation to make roads safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Whether you’re planning to buy a new car or just trying to keep your current one legal, staying informed about these changes is essential. The best way to prepare? Know what’s leaving so you’re not caught off guard when your favorite features vanish.
Which banned car feature will you miss the most, or are you glad to see them go? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
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