A:Answer Hi- This is Sue at GE Appliances. Thanks for your interest in our Top Load Washers! Yes, the lid lock engages when the washer is either load-sensing before and during fill, or when it is spinning above 50 RPM. To add items after washer has started, press Start/Pause if the lid is locked; wait until the Lid Lock indicator on the display is no longer illuminated before attempting to open the lid. Lift the lid and submerge additional items around the outside of the basket. Close the lid and press Start to resume. Pausing the machine during the spin cycle does unlock the lid, but the user must wait until the basket has completely coasted down to a stop before the lid unlocks, of course for safety reasons. We hope this is helpful. Thanks for checking with us!