diff --git a/common/params.py b/common/params.py
index 1b34bb1daa..7b90913e7d 100755
--- a/common/params.py
+++ b/common/params.py
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ keys = {
   "CompletedTrainingVersion": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "ControlsParams": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "DisablePowerDown": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
+  "DisableUpdates": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "DoUninstall": [TxType.CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START],
   "DongleId": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "GitBranch": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
diff --git a/selfdrive/updated.py b/selfdrive/updated.py
index 47f2d55a59..7c7db0f323 100755
--- a/selfdrive/updated.py
+++ b/selfdrive/updated.py
@@ -319,6 +319,9 @@ def main():
   wait_helper = WaitTimeHelper()
   params = Params()
 
+  if params.get("DisableUpdates") == b"1":
+    raise RuntimeError("updates are disabled by param")
+
   if not os.geteuid() == 0:
     raise RuntimeError("updated must be launched as root!")