Modern vehicles are filled with advanced safety features, but few drivers ever wonder how some of them behave in unusual situations. One question that comes up from time to time: What happens if you activate an electronic parking brake while the car is moving?
A recent real-world test by German police officers — along with past experiments from enthusiasts — has provided some clear answers. And it’s not as dramatic as you might think.
Key Takeaways
- Electronic parking brakes in modern cars can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop while moving.
- Many systems activate all four brakes and use ABS for stability.
- Reaction and stopping distances vary between models.
- In emergencies, the feature could help stop a car if the driver is incapacitated.
- Traditional mechanical handbrakes behave very differently and can be dangerous at speed.
The German Police Test at High Speed
In a controlled experiment, a well-known pair of German police officers decided to see exactly what happens when they pull the electronic parking brake in their cruiser while driving. Contrary to the dramatic spins you might expect from a traditional handbrake, the car slowed to a controlled and stable stop.
Once activated, the system applied braking to all four wheels and engaged the anti-lock braking system (ABS), ensuring the vehicle maintained steering control throughout the stop. This was not an abrupt lock-up but rather a calculated deceleration — crucial for maintaining safety during an emergency.
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Similar Results From Enthusiast Tests
This isn’t the first time such a test has been performed. In 2023, the Russian YouTube channel Garage 54 tried the same maneuver on several new Chinese vehicles and a BMW 5 Series.
While all cars successfully stopped without losing control, differences were noticeable:
- The Chinese models engaged ABS and decelerated quickly.
- The BMW 5 Series took longer to stop, suggesting ABS did not activate during the test.
Even further back, in 2019, automotive personality Cleetus McFarland pulled the e-brake in his C7 Corvette, which also managed a safe, straight-line stop without drama.
Why It Matters in Real Life
You may wonder why anyone would ever need to use the electronic parking brake while in motion. The answer lies in emergency situations.
The German police demonstrated one such scenario: if a driver becomes incapacitated — due to falling asleep or experiencing a medical episode — a passenger could pull the switch to slow and stop the car.
This controlled braking action could be a lifesaving feature, offering a way to safely bring the vehicle to a halt without requiring the driver’s input.
The Difference Between Electronic and Mechanical Handbrakes
If your car still has a traditional mechanical handbrake, the results will be very different. Pulling it at speed typically locks the rear wheels instantly, bypassing ABS. This can cause the vehicle to skid, spin, or lose control entirely — making it dangerous to try outside of controlled conditions such as motorsport or stunt driving.
Electronic systems, in contrast, are integrated with the car’s main braking hardware and its stability control software. This allows them to manage braking force intelligently, applying pressure evenly and avoiding dangerous lock-ups.
Final Thoughts
Modern electronic parking brakes are more than just a space-saving replacement for the old lever. They are integrated safety tools that, in the right conditions, can stop a moving vehicle in a stable and controlled manner.
While pulling the e-brake on the move isn’t something you should try outside of a safe, closed environment, knowing how it works — and that it’s there as an emergency option — is valuable information for any driver.
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, expect these systems to become even smarter, integrating with autonomous and driver-assist features to enhance safety further.
Example Specifications: BMW 5 Series (Test Vehicle in Experiment)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brake Type | Ventilated disc (front & rear) |
| ABS | Standard |
| Electronic Parking Brake | Standard with auto-hold function |
| Drivetrain | Rear- or all-wheel drive |
| Stopping Distance (100–0 km/h) | ~36 m (varies by model/year) |
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