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Where is the parking brake located?

The parking brake is located in one of three places depending on the vehicle: a traditional handbrake lever between the front seats, a left-side parking brake pedal in the driver’s footwell, or an electronic parking brake switch (often labeled with a “P”) on the center console or dash. Modern vehicles increasingly use EPB, while older or utility models may still rely on lever or pedal configurations. Always check your owner’s manual for your specific model.

Common Parking Brake Configurations

Here are the three main configurations you’re likely to encounter, with where you’ll usually find them in the cabin.

Traditional handbrake lever: Typically mounted between the front seats on the center console. You pull upward to engage the brake and release by pressing a release button or lowering the lever.

Foot-operated parking brake pedal: A separate pedal located on the driver’s left side of the footwell. Engagement and release follow the vehicle’s particular design; some models require pressing the pedal to engage and lifting or pressing a release mechanism to disengage.

Electronic parking brake (EPB) switch: A small button or switch with a P symbol, usually on the center console near the gear shifter or on the instrument panel. This system may include auto-hold or auto-release features.

Concluding: The specific spot and operation depend on the model year and design, with EPB becoming standard in many new cars while traditional lever or pedal brakes persist in older or specialized vehicles.

Electronic parking brake specifics

In EPB systems, you’ll often see features like auto-hold (which keeps the car stationary on hills when you release the brake pedal) and auto-release (which lets the car roll slightly when you start to accelerate). The exact behavior can vary by manufacturer, so a quick glance at the manual will clarify how your car’s EPB behaves and how to disengage it in an emergency.

How to Identify the Parking Brake in Your Car

Use these checks to locate the brake in a given vehicle, especially if you’ve never driven it before.

Inspect the center console area around the gear shifter for a small P-button or toggle.

Look at the driver’s left footwell for a dedicated parking brake pedal.

Look between the seats for a traditional handbrake lever.

Consult the owner’s manual or vehicle display for EPB indicators and instructions.

Concluding: If you still can’t locate it, ask a dealer or technician. Knowing where it is helps with safe parking, especially on slopes and during quick-start scenarios in cold weather.

Summary

There isn’t a universal location for the parking brake. Vehicles from different eras and brands use handbrake levers, left-side pedals, or electronic EPB switches. For a precise location and operating procedure, refer to your car’s manual or the manufacturer’s website, and you’ll know exactly where to find and how to use it in your model.

Where is the parking brake on a car?

The parking brake is located in one of four places: between the front seats as a center console lever, on the floor to the left of the driver's feet as a pedal, on the dashboard or center console as an electronic push-button, or, in older cars, as a stick lever under the instrument panel. To find it, look for a handle, pedal, or button labeled "Parking Brake" or similar, or consult your car's owner's manual.

This video shows the location and usage of an electric parking brake: 59sLincolnYouTube · Sep 20, 2024
Types and locations of parking brakes

Center lever: A hand-operated lever located between the driver and passenger seats in the center console.
Foot pedal: A pedal on the floor to the left of the gas and brake pedals.
Electronic push-button: A button or switch found on the center console or dashboard, often near other controls.
Stick lever: A pull-knob located under the instrument panel on many older vehicles.

This video demonstrates how to engage and disengage a handbrake lever: 49sScorpion MultimediaYouTube · Jul 23, 2025

What three places can you find the parking brake?

Understanding the Parking Brake

Hand lever – A manual handbrake lever located between the driver and passenger seat.
Foot-operated – A pedal located on the driver's left side, activated by pressing down.
Electronic – A button or switch that electronically engages or releases the brake.

Is the parking brake the same as the emergency brake?

Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably because the parking brake and the emergency brake are the same secondary braking system in a vehicle. The system is designed to keep the car from rolling when parked and also serves as a backup in case the primary brakes fail. It can be operated by a hand lever, a foot pedal, or an electronic push-button.

Dual purpose: The brake's primary function is to park the vehicle, especially on an incline, preventing the transmission's parking pawl from bearing the entire load. However, its design as an independent mechanical system makes it a functional emergency brake for slowing or stopping a vehicle if the main hydraulic brakes fail.
How it works: Unlike the regular foot brake, the emergency/parking brake bypasses the vehicle's hydraulic system. It uses a mechanical system of cables and levers to activate the brakes on the rear wheels.
Modern terminology: While the terms are the same, the emphasis can differ based on the vehicle's design and age. In modern cars, the term "parking brake" is more common because the primary brake system is more reliable due to features like dual circuits. However, the "emergency" aspect remains because it is the only braking mechanism left if the primary system fails completely.

How do I turn on and off the parking brake?

To engage a parking brake, either pull a lever up, press a foot pedal down, or press a button. To disengage, reverse the action: for a hand lever, press the button and lower it; for a foot pedal, release the latch or press the pedal again; for an electronic brake, press the button after holding the foot brake.

This video demonstrates how to engage and disengage a handbrake: 58sScorpion MultimediaYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
Hand lever

Engage: Pull the lever up until it clicks and locks into place.
Disengage: Lift the lever slightly to take the pressure off the button, press the button, and then lower the lever all the way down.

Foot pedal

Engage: Press the pedal all the way down with your foot.
Disengage: Depending on the car, you will either need to pull a release latch above the pedal or press the pedal again to disengage it.

This video demonstrates how to engage and disengage a foot brake: 59sCarnivautoYouTube · Mar 27, 2025
Electronic brake

Engage: Press a button, often found on the dashboard or center console. Some vehicles may require you to press the brake pedal at the same time.
Disengage: Hold down the foot brake pedal, then press and hold the electronic brake button, and release it once the button is disengaged.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.