Can You Shift to P Gear at a Red Light?

[MacGarrett]

It is possible to shift to P gear at a red light, but it is not recommended for drivers to do so. If the car is shifted into P gear and is rear-ended by another vehicle, the transmission of the driver's car may be damaged. Therefore, it is advisable to stay in D gear with the handbrake engaged or shift directly into N gear when waiting at a red light. Automatic transmissions have both N gear and P gear, both of which can be used when parking. When shifted into N gear, there is no locking mechanism to secure the transmission gears, so the car can still move if the handbrake is not engaged. However, P gear is different—it has an internal locking mechanism that secures the transmission gears once engaged. In this case, the car cannot move even without the handbrake being applied.

[SophieMarie]

Stopping at a red light in P gear is not recommended. From my years of driving experience, it increases the risk of rear-end collisions. If a car behind accidentally hits you, the transmission will be locked, damaging parts and resulting in costly repairs. Red lights only last for a few seconds, and shifting from P to D gear wastes time, potentially causing accidents when the light turns green due to slow reactions. A safer approach is to stay in D gear and lightly press the brake, or shift to N gear to relax the transmission and reduce wear. I've tried this method, and the car starts more smoothly while also saving a bit of fuel. Modern cars with auto-hold function work better in D gear. Developing this habit makes driving safer and more worry-free, avoiding repair hassles. In short, avoid P gear for brief stops at red lights—it's safer and more convenient.

[AriannaAnn]

From a technical perspective, keeping the car in P (Park) mode at red lights actually adds unnecessary strain to the transmission. While P mode locks the output shaft to prevent rolling, brief stops subject it to sustained pressure, accelerating component wear and heat buildup. In rear-end collisions, the locked state may damage the drivetrain, leading to costly repairs. It's wiser to remain in D (Drive) with gentle braking or shift to N (Neutral): D mode allows simple brake pedal pressure, while N mode relieves mechanical stress for longevity and enables more efficient engine idling. Personal observation confirms this practice reduces fuel consumption and eliminates acceleration lag. Cultivating this habit preserves vehicle performance. Red lights signify temporary stops – P mode's true purpose is prolonged parking. Therefore, prioritizing D or N mode safeguards your prized automobile.

[Christina]

Safety First: Avoid Shifting to P at Red Lights. It increases the risk of rear-end collisions, and transmission damage could leave your car stuck, hindering a quick escape. For brief stops, staying in D with light brake pressure or shifting to N is safer and ensures quicker acceleration. I recommend making this a habit to avoid delays that might cause accidents. Also, ensure your brake lights are on to alert drivers behind. Proper red-light stopping is a common scenario—correct operation protects lives and property.