An automatic park lock for an off road or recreational utility vehicle includes a shift interlock solenoid with a spring biased plunger engaging and locking an operator shift lever in the park position. A cam surface on the operator shift lever slopes between a first end and a second end, and has a groove to lock the plunger to the park position. A controller energizes the shift interlock solenoid to retract the plunger when a plurality of operating parameters are satisfied.