diff --git a/selfdrive/car/gm/carcontroller.py b/selfdrive/car/gm/carcontroller.py
index 7b7db292e..040513192 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/gm/carcontroller.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/gm/carcontroller.py
@@ -161,9 +161,11 @@ class CarController(CarControllerBase):
     # while frames remain, send off spoof if not colliding with steer
     if getattr(self, "off_spoof_frames", 0) > 0:
       if self.frame != self.last_steer_frame:
+        # send off messages
         can_sends.append(gmcan.create_prndl2_command(self.packer_pt, CanBus.POWERTRAIN, False))
         can_sends.append(gmcan.create_regen_paddle_command(self.packer_pt, CanBus.POWERTRAIN, False))
-      self.off_spoof_frames -= 1
+        # decrement only when sent
+        self.off_spoof_frames -= 1
 
     # Update regen_active state
     self.last_regen_active = regen_active