diff --git a/tools/validate_dme.py b/tools/validate_dme.py
index 0e1920ee39a..ce1499f82fd 100644
--- a/tools/validate_dme.py
+++ b/tools/validate_dme.py
@@ -84,7 +84,8 @@ def compare_lines(a, b):
         if a_segment != b_segment:
             return (a_segment > b_segment) - (a_segment < b_segment)
 
-    raise f"Two lines were exactly the same ({a} vs. {b})"
+    print(f"Two lines were exactly the same ({a} vs. {b})")
+    sys.exit(1)
 
 sorted_lines = sorted(lines, key = functools.cmp_to_key(compare_lines))
 for (index, line) in enumerate(lines):