diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/head/helmet.dm b/code/modules/clothing/head/helmet.dm
index 92c1117b7ce..06519ce228a 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/head/helmet.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/head/helmet.dm
@@ -423,6 +423,7 @@
 		return
 	if(!(GLOB.ghost_role_flags & GHOSTROLE_STATION_SENTIENCE))
 		say("ERROR: Central Command has temporarily outlawed monkey sentience helmets in this sector. NEAREST LAWFUL SECTOR: 2.537 million light years away.")
+		return
 	magnification = user //this polls ghosts
 	visible_message("<span class='warning'>[src] powers up!</span>")
 	playsound(src, 'sound/machines/ping.ogg', 30, TRUE)