diff --git a/selfdrive/car/volkswagen/interface.py b/selfdrive/car/volkswagen/interface.py
index 131378aaf..ca6d1fa7f 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/volkswagen/interface.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/volkswagen/interface.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class CarInterface(CarInterfaceBase):
       ret.safetyConfigs = [get_safety_config(car.CarParams.SafetyModel.volkswagenPq)]
       ret.enableBsm = 0x3BA in fingerprint[0]  # SWA_1
 
-      if 0x440 in fingerprint[0] or not fingerprint[0]:  # Getriebe_1, or empty FP for CI/docs generation
+      if 0x440 in fingerprint[0] or len(fingerprint[0]) == 0:  # Getriebe_1, or empty FP for CI/docs generation
         ret.transmissionType = TransmissionType.automatic
       else:
         ret.transmissionType = TransmissionType.manual
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class CarInterface(CarInterfaceBase):
       ret.safetyConfigs = [get_safety_config(car.CarParams.SafetyModel.volkswagen)]
       ret.enableBsm = 0x30F in fingerprint[0]  # SWA_01
 
-      if 0xAD in fingerprint[0] or not fingerprint[0]:  # Getriebe_11, or empty FP for CI/docs generation
+      if 0xAD in fingerprint[0] or len(fingerprint[0]) == 0:  # Getriebe_11, or empty FP for CI/docs generation
         ret.transmissionType = TransmissionType.automatic
       elif 0x187 in fingerprint[0]:  # EV_Gearshift
         ret.transmissionType = TransmissionType.direct