diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
index b10e87d40..1d0609a5b 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
@@ -287,8 +287,11 @@ def thermald_thread(end_event, hw_queue):
                                                params.get_bool("Passive")
     startup_conditions["not_driver_view"] = not params.get_bool("IsDriverViewEnabled")
     startup_conditions["not_taking_snapshot"] = not params.get_bool("IsTakingSnapshot")
-    # if any CPU gets above 107 or the battery gets above 63, kill all processes
-    # controls will warn with CPU above 95 or battery above 60
+
+    # must be at an engageable thermal band to go onroad
+    startup_conditions["device_temp_engageable"] = thermal_status < ThermalStatus.red
+
+    # if the temperature enters the danger zone, go offroad to cool down
     onroad_conditions["device_temp_good"] = thermal_status < ThermalStatus.danger
     set_offroad_alert_if_changed("Offroad_TemperatureTooHigh", (not onroad_conditions["device_temp_good"]))