Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the car door section of an elevator car from being opened when the elevator car is not located at an authorized landing zone in the elevator shaft. A car door locking device includes a locking mechanism connected to and movable with the car door section. The locking mechanism has a first member, a second member, and apparatus for connecting the second member for limited guided movement with respect to the first member between a locked position and an unlocked position. A spring is provided for normally urging the second member toward the locked position with respect to the first member. A first stop is attached to and movable with the second member. A second stop, fixed in position with respect to the car door section, is provided for selectively engaging the movable stop.