Abstract: An arm rest for use with the door of a motor vehicle is disclosed which provides comfort and added safety feature for the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle. The arm rest preferable includes a base, a leg which is inserted between a panel of the door and the window, and a padded portion on which the driver or passenger may rest his or her arm during operation of the motor vehicle. Raised projections on the leg of the arm rest secure the arm rest in the door. A high-friction material, such as rubber, prevents the arm rest from slipping or scratching the molding on the door. The arm rest also contains a padded portion which is supported by a support member such as wood, and consists of foam padding covered by a cloth or vinyl cover. The arm rest may contain a notch for receive the post of an door lock. The arm rest may also have a canopy on the base for covering the door lock to prevent an intruder or thief from unlocking the motor vehicle door. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.