Abstract: A selector lever lock device for an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle includes a tilt lever (36) pivotally attached to an upright detent plate (24) for pivotal movement about a pivot axis (38) into a lock or release position to allow or prevent free movement of a detent pin carried by the selector lever (12). The tilt lever (36) is provided with first (40) and second arm portions (42) each extending from the pivot axis (38) in different directions, the first arm portion (40) having at its distal end a claw (44) which serves to keep the detent pin (22) from moving downwards. Remaining engaged with the second arm portion (42) of the tilt lever is a solenoid mechanism that responds to the depression of the brake pedal (10) for causing the tilt lever (36) to rotate into the release position to thereby allow the detent pin (22) to move freely so that the selector lever (12) can be shifted to non-parking positions.