Brake Warning Light: What It Means and What to Do

The Brake Warning Light means the parking brake is applied or the brake system has a problem such as low brake fluid or a hydraulic fault.

Stop driving
Can I keep driving? First make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, or the pedal feels soft, low, or sinks toward the floor, stop driving and have the car towed. If the red brake light and the ABS light are on together, do not drive until the brakes are inspected.
What it looks like
An exclamation point inside a circle with curved brackets on either side, or the word BRAKE; a letter P in a circle indicates the parking brake.
Color
Red. Some vehicles also use a separate amber or red light for electronic parking brake faults; check your owner's manual, since symbols and colors vary by manufacturer.

Also called: brake light on dash, red brake light, parking brake light, exclamation point in circle light, BRAKE light

Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research

Why the brake warning light comes on

The light is wired to the parking brake switch and a fluid-level sensor in the master cylinder reservoir. On many vehicles it also lights for a failure in electronic brake force distribution or a pressure imbalance between brake circuits. Brake fluid level drops gradually as pads wear, but a sudden drop usually means a leak, which can lead to loss of braking.

Common causes

  1. Parking brake not fully released
  2. Low brake fluid from worn pads or a leak
  3. Leaking brake line, hose, caliper, or wheel cylinder
  4. Failing master cylinder
  5. Faulty fluid-level sensor or parking brake switch
  6. Brake force distribution fault, often with the ABS light also on

What to do when the brake warning light comes on

  1. Fully release the parking brake and see if the light goes out.
  2. Press the brake pedal; if it is soft, spongy, or travels farther than normal, pull over safely and stop driving.
  3. With the engine off, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
  4. Look for wet spots or fluid near the wheels and under the car.
  5. Do not simply top off fluid and keep driving if it is low; find the cause, since low fluid often means worn pads or a leak.
  6. Have the brakes inspected before further driving if the light remains on.

Symbols and colors vary by manufacturer; your owner’s manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.

Related OBD-II codes

U0121 — Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module

Brake Warning Light FAQ

What does the brake warning light mean?

The Brake Warning Light means the parking brake is applied or the brake system has a problem such as low brake fluid or a hydraulic fault.

Can I keep driving with the brake warning light on?

First make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, or the pedal feels soft, low, or sinks toward the floor, stop driving and have the car towed. If the red brake light and the ABS light are on together, do not drive until the brakes are inspected.

Why is my brake light on when the parking brake is off?

The most common reason is low brake fluid, which can be from worn pads or a leak. A faulty parking brake switch is another possibility, but rule out hydraulic problems first.

Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on?

Only if the cause is a parking brake that you then fully release. If the light stays on for any other reason, braking may be compromised, so have it inspected before driving.

What does it mean when the brake and ABS lights are both on?

It often means both the anti-lock function and electronic brake force distribution are disabled, which can make the rear brakes lock early. Have the car inspected before driving.

Other dashboard warning lights

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Sources

General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. When in doubt, stop in a safe place and follow your owner’s manual.