What is the P with a circle in the car?
The P inside a circle on your dashboard is the parking brake indicator—signaling either a traditional handbrake or an electronic parking brake is engaged.
Beyond that basic meaning, the light can also relate to related functions like Auto Hold or alert you to a braking-system fault, depending on the vehicle. The exact look and behavior vary by make and model.
Identifying the symbol and where it appears
Car dashboards place the P-in-a-circle near the instrument cluster. Its color, blinking pattern, and whether it lights up at startup all depend on the design of the car. A steady red P-in-a-circle generally means the parking brake is actively engaged; amber or a flashing version can indicate a fault or a special mode such as Auto Hold.
Before you interpret the symbol, note that different brands style this indicator differently. Some use a plain P in a circle, others pair it with a brake-related icon or with additional wording on the screen.
- Parking brake is engaged (manual handbrake pulled up) and the car should not be moved until it’s released.
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) is active or being released/engaged via a switch or control, rather than a mechanical lever.
- Auto Hold or a brake-hold feature may share the same indicator, showing when the system is maintaining brake pressure after a stop.
- A fault in the braking system can cause the light to flash or stay on alongside other warning lights; treatment depends on the car’s manual.
What the symbol commonly conveys in a list format:
In all cases, refer to your owner’s manual for the exact meaning on your vehicle, since manufacturers tailor the symbol and its behavior.
What to do if you see the symbol while driving
When you encounter the P-in-a-circle light, follow these steps to stay safe and avoid damage to the braking system:
- Check whether the parking brake is still engaged and release it completely before driving away.
- If your car uses an electronic parking brake, ensure you are using the correct release procedure (often a switch or button, sometimes with the brake pedal pressed).
- Look for accompanying warning lights (such as ABS or brake-fluid indicators) that could signal a brake-system issue.
- If the symbol remains on or flashes during driving, stop safely and consult the owner’s manual or a dealer mechanic to diagnose potential faults.
Guidance for actions you might take in response to the indicator:
Safety is paramount—treat the P-in-a-circle indicator as a reminder about the braking system, and act according to your vehicle’s specific guidance.
Manufacturer-specific notes
Automakers vary in how they present this symbol. Some brands emphasize the electronic parking brake with a similar P-in-a-circle icon, while others integrate it with a broader brake-system display. If you have features such as Park Assist or Auto Parking, the light may interact with those systems and appear in conjunction with additional icons or messages on the dash. Always check your vehicle’s manual for the precise interpretation and recommended actions for your model.
Summary
The P-in-a-circle symbol most often denotes the parking brake status—whether you’re using a traditional handbrake or an electronic parking brake. It can also reflect related features like Auto Hold or indicate a fault if it behaves unusually. Because appearances vary by make and model, consult your owner’s manual for exact meaning and implications for your car, and respond by ensuring the brake is released before driving or seeking service if the light persists or worsens.
