Can you turn off auto braking?

In most modern vehicles you can temporarily turn off automatic emergency braking (AEB), but it typically reactivates the next time you start the car; some models won’t let you disable it at all, and in many regions AEB must default to “on” due to safety regulations. Whether and how you can switch it off depends on your make, model, software version, and local laws.

What auto braking is—and why it’s there

Automatic emergency braking (often bundled with forward-collision warning) uses cameras, radar, or lidar to detect an impending crash and apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. It’s designed as a last line of defense to reduce or avoid rear-end and pedestrian impacts. Studies from safety bodies such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have found substantial reductions in rear-end crashes for vehicles equipped with AEB, which is why regulators are moving to make it standard and default-on.

Can you actually switch it off?

The answer varies by region and by brand, but a common pattern has emerged: many cars allow a user to disable AEB for the current drive, then automatically turn it back on at the next ignition cycle. Some vehicles only let you reduce sensitivity rather than fully disabling intervention, and a few don’t offer any user-accessible off switch.

By region

Rules and industry practices differ worldwide, shaping whether AEB must remain on by default and how long a driver-initiated deactivation can persist.

• United States: AEB is becoming standard across the fleet. A 2024 U.S. safety rule phases in mandatory AEB (including pedestrian detection) on new passenger vehicles over the coming years and requires the system to be active by default. Many current models let drivers disable AEB only for the current drive; it typically re-enables at the next restart.
• European Union: Under the EU’s General Safety Regulation, AEB has been mandatory on new vehicle types since 2022 and on all newly registered passenger cars since July 2024. Systems are generally required to default to “on,” and any deactivation is typically temporary.
• Other markets: Many countries that follow UN vehicle regulations require default-on behavior and may limit deactivation. Availability and behavior can vary with local homologation.

In practice, if your vehicle is fairly new in the U.S., EU, UK, Canada, Australia, or Japan, expect AEB to default on and re-enable automatically after each key cycle, even if a temporary off toggle exists.

By brand (typical behavior)

Manufacturers label the feature differently—Front Assist, Pre-Collision System, City Safety, Active Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, etc.—but their user controls are similar.

• Tesla: A toggle for Automatic Emergency Braking exists in settings; it can be turned off for the current drive but reverts to on after the car is shifted into Park or restarted.
• Toyota/Lexus (Pre-Collision System): On/off and sensitivity options are available; if turned off, it generally resets to on at the next ignition cycle.
• Honda/Acura (CMBS): A dashboard button or menu control allows temporary deactivation; it typically reactivates when the vehicle is restarted.
• Subaru (EyeSight): Pre-Collision Braking can be disabled via the info display; it usually defaults back to on at the next start.
• Volkswagen/Audi (Front Assist): Can be set to “off” or reduced intervention in the infotainment menu; default-on returns at the next drive.
• Mercedes-Benz/BMW/Volvo: Active brake assist features can often be reduced or disabled temporarily; systems generally re-enable automatically after an ignition cycle.

Always verify specifics in your owner’s manual; software updates can change menu locations and default behaviors.

How to turn off auto braking (if your car allows it)

Controls vary, but most manufacturers place AEB settings in the driver-assistance or safety menus, and some offer a physical button. Use these steps as a general guide, not a substitute for your manual.

1. Park safely and keep the vehicle stationary. Many cars restrict safety setting changes while driving.
2. Open the vehicle settings menu. Look for categories like Driver Assistance, Safety & Security, or Vehicle Settings.
3. Find collision or brake assist features. Terms include Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre‑Collision System, Collision Mitigation Braking, Front Assist, or Active Brake Assist.
4. Select Off or adjust sensitivity. Some models offer Off, Reduced/Warn Only, or distance sensitivity settings.
5. Confirm prompts and note the status. The cluster may show a warning icon (often a car-with-starburst/crash icon) indicating AEB is off.
6. Expect it to turn back on automatically. Most vehicles re-enable AEB at the next startup or after shifting into Park.

If you cannot find an AEB toggle, your car may not support user deactivation or may only allow sensitivity changes. Consult the owner’s manual or your dealer for model-specific instructions.

When a temporary disable may be reasonable

AEB is a safety net and should normally remain on. Limited scenarios can trigger false alerts or braking where a temporary disable may be considered—provided you drive with extra caution.

• Deep snow, slush, heavy spray, or mud obstructing sensors/cameras.
• Off-road or track driving where abrupt, intentional maneuvers could be misread.
• Automatic car washes or towing/recovery situations where sensors face unusual reflections or proximity.
• After windshield or sensor replacement, before calibration is complete (schedule calibration promptly).

In most cases, cleaning sensors and windshields, or switching to a reduced sensitivity/warning-only mode, solves the issue without fully disabling AEB.

Risks, responsibilities, and what doesn’t change

Turning off AEB removes a proven layer of protection: IIHS analyses have linked AEB-equipped vehicles to large reductions in rear-end crashes and related injuries. Disabling may have implications for fleet or rental policies and could be scrutinized after a crash. Note that AEB is separate from ABS and stability control—those core safety systems remain active even if you switch off AEB. Some cars also have other automatic brake interventions (for example, automatic post‑collision braking or parking auto-brake) that are controlled by different settings and may still operate.

Troubleshooting false alarms before switching it off

If your vehicle is braking unexpectedly or alerting too often, try these steps before disabling the system entirely.

• Clean and inspect sensors and the windshield, especially around the camera housing and radar panels.
• Remove aftermarket accessories or windshield films that may obstruct sensors.
• Check for software updates; dealers often issue calibration or tuning updates for driver-assistance systems.
• Request a camera/radar calibration after glass or bumper repairs.
• Adjust sensitivity or switch to warning-only mode if your vehicle supports it.

If problems persist, have the system inspected by an authorized service center; a malfunctioning sensor can degrade other safety features, not just AEB.

Bottom line

You can usually turn off auto braking only temporarily; most newer vehicles default it back on automatically, and some won’t let you disable it at all. Because AEB measurably reduces crashes, leave it on unless you have a specific, temporary reason—and restore normal operation as soon as possible.

Summary

Whether you can turn off auto braking depends on your car and jurisdiction. Many models offer a temporary off toggle buried in driver-assistance menus or via a dedicated button, but systems typically reactivate at the next start, and newer regulations increasingly require default-on behavior. Use deactivation sparingly, favor cleaning/calibration and sensitivity adjustments, and consult your owner’s manual for precise steps.

How do I turn off automatic braking?

You can override automatic braking at any time by pressing the accelerator or by braking. If you don’t press the brake pedal soon after the stop, the feature may activate the Electric Parking Brake.

Why does my car keep auto braking?

A car braking on its own is most often caused by a faulty Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system misinterpreting road conditions, a mechanical issue like a stuck brake caliper or master cylinder problem causing fluid pressure to build, or potentially an issue with the brake light switch. Less common causes include issues with wheel bearings, misaligned tires, or even a floor mat obstructing the accelerator pedal. If the braking is sudden and without warning, it’s often a safety system, but if it’s a gradual brake build-up, it’s likely a mechanical failure that needs immediate professional attention. 
Common Causes

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Malfunction: Opens in new tabModern cars use sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions. If these systems misinterpret shadows, roadside objects, or other false positives as threats, they can engage the brakes unexpectedly. 
• Stuck Brake Caliper or Master Cylinder: Opens in new tabA master cylinder pushrod not retracting or a stuck caliper can cause residual pressure in the hydraulic system, making the brakes engage even when the pedal isn’t pressed. 
• Faulty Brake Light Switch: Opens in new tabA misadjusted brake light switch can cause a similar effect by applying pressure to the brakes. 
• Stuck Parking Sensors: Opens in new tabDuring low-speed maneuvering, a false positive from a parking sensor can trigger the braking system. 
• Obstruction Under the Accelerator Pedal: Opens in new tabA floor mat can slide up and prevent the gas pedal from returning to its fully released position, which can feel like the car is braking. 

Mechanical Issues (Gradual Braking or Dragging) 

• Sticking Brake Caliper: You might feel or hear the brakes dragging on one or more wheels. 
• Master Cylinder Problems: This can lead to the brake system applying pressure on its own, with the problem often worsening as the fluid warms and expands. 
• Damaged or Worn Wheel Bearings: These can create friction that causes the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, giving the sensation of self-braking. 

What to Do

1. Check Your Sensors: Ensure the front-facing sensors (cameras, radar) and parking sensors are clean, as dirt or snow can cause false activations. 
2. Check the Accelerator Pedal: Make sure the floor mat isn’t interfering with the accelerator pedal. 
3. Consult the Owner’s Manual: Check your car’s manual to see if you can temporarily disable the AEB or other similar driver-assistance features. 
4. Contact a Professional: If the issue persists, get your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Mechanical issues, especially those related to the braking system, can lead to dangerous situations. 

Is auto braking mandatory?

In April of 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a new law that will make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard on all passenger cars and light trucks. This will be effective by September 2029.

How to override AEB?

If you don’t respond fast enough or if a situation happens suddenly, AEB may automatically apply hard emergency braking or enhance your hard braking. You can override the system at any time by pressing the accelerator if it is safe to do so.