A solenoid drive circuit is provided with an energization controller that controls the energization/de-energization of a coil and is disposed either between a power source and the coil or between the coil and ground. A diode allows electric current to flow toward the power source and is connected between the power source and ground while bypassing the coil. A switch is provided either between the power source and the diode or between the diode and ground. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the electric current flowing through the coil is gradually reduced and a state in which the electric current flowing through the coil is rapidly reduced by switching over between conduction and cutoff of the switch.