Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety circuit which detects when the car is at least a predetermined distance away from a floor landing while a car door is open. The safety circuit, upon detection of this condition, activates a solenoid located on a safety governor of the elevator car and/or the counterweight, causing safeties to engage, precluding further motion of the car and/or counterweight. The safety circuit comprises the solenoid and a relay having a contact and a coil. Given means for energizing the coil when the elevator car drifts beyond a predetermined distance with a door open, the contact will close, providing power to the solenoid for actuation. The safety circuit preferably employs a relay which indicates whether the car door is open or closed, as well as relays which indicate whether various other system operational checks are satisfactory.