Abstract: An elevator car system and method for operating elevators doors includes an elevator car having a door capable of opening and closing along a pathway and an interior portion internal to the door, a first obstruction sensor disposed on the door capable of detecting an obstruction in the pathway of the door, and a supplemental obstruction sensor disposed in the interior portion of the elevator car system capable of detecting an obstruction in an area adjacent to the door, wherein the door opens or closes based on the detection of the first obstruction sensor or the detection of the second obstruction sensor. The interior portion of the elevator car may include a recessed channel, with the supplemental obstruction sensor being disposed in the recessed channel.