diff --git a/selfdrive/common/params.cc b/selfdrive/common/params.cc
index b516c4ab00..45eac661b5 100644
--- a/selfdrive/common/params.cc
+++ b/selfdrive/common/params.cc
@@ -174,6 +174,7 @@ std::unordered_map<std::string, uint32_t> keys = {
     {"IsLdwEnabled", PERSISTENT},
     {"IsMetric", PERSISTENT},
     {"IsOffroad", CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START},
+    {"IsOnroad", PERSISTENT},
     {"IsRHD", PERSISTENT},
     {"IsTakingSnapshot", CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START},
     {"IsUpdateAvailable", CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START},
diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
index 9a3931965f..950b34e8bc 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
@@ -171,6 +171,9 @@ def thermald_thread():
 
   thermal_config = HARDWARE.get_thermal_config()
 
+  if params.get_bool("IsOnroad"):
+    cloudlog.event("onroad flag not cleared")
+
   # CPR3 logging
   if EON:
     base_path = "/sys/kernel/debug/cpr3-regulator/"
@@ -356,6 +359,7 @@ def thermald_thread():
     # Handle offroad/onroad transition
     should_start = all(startup_conditions.values())
     if should_start != should_start_prev or (count == 0):
+      params.put_bool("IsOnroad", should_start)
       params.put_bool("IsOffroad", not should_start)
       HARDWARE.set_power_save(not should_start)
       if TICI and not params.get_bool("EnableLteOnroad"):