diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
index 961e7131cc..0ab3e0be11 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ def thermald_thread(end_event, hw_queue) -> None:
     # user-forced status
     startup_conditions["not_force_offroad"] = not params.get_bool("ForceOffroad")
     if not startup_conditions["not_force_offroad"]:
-      set_offroad_alert("Offroad_ForceStatus", True)
+      set_offroad_alert_if_changed("Offroad_ForceStatus", True)
 
     # if the temperature enters the danger zone, go offroad to cool down
     onroad_conditions["device_temp_good"] = thermal_status < ThermalStatus.danger