Door check device for a vehicle door, movable from a closed position in a door frame to a plurality of different open positions and held in the open positions, includes a strip connected to the door or door frame and a braking mechanism connected to the other of the door or door frame to provide relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism when the door is moved relative to the door frame. The braking mechanism engages with the strip at several locations and prevents movement of the strip when the braking mechanism engages therewith. The braking mechanism is preferably biased against the strip. The vehicle also includes an electrical system, e.g., a motor or solenoid, coupled to the braking mechanism to disengage it from the strip to permit relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism and thus movement of the door relative to the door frame.