A method for controlling the braking system of a motor vehicle in which, in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling away after a stopping action, a first braking force value is established at at least one wheel of the vehicle, independently of the driver, and is held for a predefined limited holding time; a transverse variable characterizing a transverse motion of the vehicle is ascertained; and as a function of the transverse variable, a release of the braking force is accomplished even before the predefined holding time has elapsed.