A vehicle braking system includes a wheel braking unit with an actuator, friction unit, and resilient member. The wheel braking unit is controlled by an operating element. The braking system can be operated in a normal operation mode by a control parameter. The braking system can be operated in a safety mode when the control parameter falls below a threshold value. In the normal mode, the control parameter acts on the actuator so that the actuator establishes a first air clearance in the friction unit. When in the safety mode, a resilient member establishes a second air clearance, which is smaller than the first air clearance.