Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating an electromechanically operable and/or electromechanically lockable parking brake for motor vehicles having an operating element, an electronic control unit, to which are sent wheel speed values from wheel speed sensors, at least one unit for generating a brake application force, and electromechanically lockable brake devices on at least one axle, with the brake devices being adapted to be applied by the unit. Also disclosed is a parking brake for motor vehicles for implementing the method. When wheel speed values are missing, the operator decides whether a static operating mode is assigned to the parking brake, i.e. that the brakes are applied with maximum allowable force upon actuation of the operating element, and release is possible only by means of new actuation of the operating element, or decides whether a dynamic operating mode is assigned, i.e. the brake application force is exclusively developed and provided during actuation of the operating element.