An elevator system includes a hoistway; and an elevator car (12) disposed in and drivable along the hoistway, the elevator car including: an elevator car door (38); an elevator door motor (40) operably connected to the elevator car door to selectably open and close the elevator car door; and a door motor brake (52) disposed at the elevator car door and selectably engageable with the elevator door motor to prevent operation of the elevator door motor thus preventing undesired opening and/or closure of the elevator car door.