diff --git a/common/params.cc b/common/params.cc
index ccfb3a7ae2..b683609194 100644
--- a/common/params.cc
+++ b/common/params.cc
@@ -323,6 +323,7 @@ std::unordered_map<std::string, uint32_t> keys = {
     {"VisionCurveLaneless", PERSISTENT | BACKUP},
     {"VwAccType", PERSISTENT | BACKUP},
     {"VwCCOnly", PERSISTENT | BACKUP},
+    {"Offroad_ForceStatus", PERSISTENT},
     {"Offroad_SupersededUpdate", PERSISTENT},
 
     {"SunnylinkCache_Users", PERSISTENT},
diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
index 10ab1198a3..0a79b23da8 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
@@ -311,6 +311,7 @@ def thermald_thread(end_event, hw_queue) -> None:
 
     # user-forced status
     startup_conditions["not_force_offroad"] = not params.get_bool("ForceOffroad")
+    set_offroad_alert("Offroad_ForceStatus", True)
 
     # if the temperature enters the danger zone, go offroad to cool down
     onroad_conditions["device_temp_good"] = thermal_status < ThermalStatus.danger