An electrical parking brake system and method for a commercial vehicle includes a valve device, which connects a compressed-air supply with a spring brake cylinder without an intermediate connection of a hand brake valve. The valve device aerates the spring brake cylinder in a first switching state and deaerates the spring brake cylinder in a second switching state. The system further includes a pressure sensor, which measures a pressure on the compressed air supply side, and an electronic control unit for directly or indirectly controlling the valve device, acquiring a signal supplied by the pressure sensor, and acquiring an indicator signal for the presence of an individual in a cab of the vehicle. The valve device can only be transferred to its first switching state by the control unit if the pressure on the compressed air supply side exceeds a pressure threshold value and if the presence of an individual in a cab of the vehicle is indicated.