diff --git a/common/params_pxd.pxd b/common/params_pxd.pxd
index 14fcb311c3..28d54c0c50 100644
--- a/common/params_pxd.pxd
+++ b/common/params_pxd.pxd
@@ -12,5 +12,7 @@ cdef extern from "selfdrive/common/params.h":
     Params(bool)
     Params(string)
     string get(string, bool) nogil
+    bool getBool(string)
     int remove(string)
     int put(string, string)
+    int putBool(string, bool)
diff --git a/common/params_pyx.pyx b/common/params_pyx.pyx
index 92b35302ca..a062de0b7a 100755
--- a/common/params_pyx.pyx
+++ b/common/params_pyx.pyx
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ keys = {
   b"GithubUsername": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   b"HardwareSerial": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   b"HasAcceptedTerms": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
-  b"HasCompletedSetup": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   b"IsDriverViewEnabled": [TxType.CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START],
   b"IMEI": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   b"IsLdwEnabled": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
@@ -118,13 +117,16 @@ cdef class Params:
   def panda_disconnect(self):
     self.clear_all(TxType.CLEAR_ON_PANDA_DISCONNECT)
 
-  def get(self, key, block=False, encoding=None):
+  def check_key(self, key):
     key = ensure_bytes(key)
 
     if key not in keys:
       raise UnknownKeyName(key)
 
-    cdef string k = key
+    return key
+
+  def get(self, key, block=False, encoding=None):
+    cdef string k = self.check_key(key)
     cdef bool b = block
 
     cdef string val
@@ -144,6 +146,10 @@ cdef class Params:
     else:
       return val
 
+  def get_bool(self, key):
+    cdef string k = self.check_key(key)
+    return self.p.getBool(k)
+
   def put(self, key, dat):
     """
     Warning: This function blocks until the param is written to disk!
@@ -151,17 +157,18 @@ cdef class Params:
     Use the put_nonblocking helper function in time sensitive code, but
     in general try to avoid writing params as much as possible.
     """
-    key = ensure_bytes(key)
     dat = ensure_bytes(dat)
 
-    if key not in keys:
-      raise UnknownKeyName(key)
+    cdef string k = self.check_key(key)
+    self.p.put(k, dat)
 
-    self.p.put(key, dat)
+  def put_bool(self, key, val):
+    cdef string k = self.check_key(key)
+    self.p.putBool(k, val)
 
   def delete(self, key):
-    key = ensure_bytes(key)
-    self.p.remove(key)
+    cdef string k = self.check_key(key)
+    self.p.remove(k)
 
 
 def put_nonblocking(key, val, d=None):
diff --git a/common/tests/test_params.py b/common/tests/test_params.py
index 386b7fdd60..1fac4dbc7e 100644
--- a/common/tests/test_params.py
+++ b/common/tests/test_params.py
@@ -65,6 +65,15 @@ class TestParams(unittest.TestCase):
     with self.assertRaises(UnknownKeyName):
       self.params.get("swag")
 
+    with self.assertRaises(UnknownKeyName):
+      self.params.get_bool("swag")
+
+    with self.assertRaises(UnknownKeyName):
+      self.params.put("swag", "abc")
+
+    with self.assertRaises(UnknownKeyName):
+      self.params.put_bool("swag", True)
+
   def test_params_permissions(self):
     permissions = stat.S_IRUSR | stat.S_IWUSR | stat.S_IRGRP | stat.S_IWGRP | stat.S_IROTH | stat.S_IWOTH
 
@@ -77,6 +86,22 @@ class TestParams(unittest.TestCase):
     self.params.delete("CarParams")
     assert self.params.get("CarParams") is None
 
+  def test_get_bool(self):
+    self.params.delete("IsMetric")
+    self.assertFalse(self.params.get_bool("IsMetric"))
+
+    self.params.put_bool("IsMetric", True)
+    self.assertTrue(self.params.get_bool("IsMetric"))
+
+    self.params.put_bool("IsMetric", False)
+    self.assertFalse(self.params.get_bool("IsMetric"))
+
+    self.params.put("IsMetric", "1")
+    self.assertTrue(self.params.get_bool("IsMetric"))
+
+    self.params.put("IsMetric", "0")
+    self.assertFalse(self.params.get_bool("IsMetric"))
+
   def test_put_non_blocking_with_get_block(self):
     q = Params(self.tmpdir)
     def _delayed_writer():
diff --git a/selfdrive/camerad/snapshot/snapshot.py b/selfdrive/camerad/snapshot/snapshot.py
index 39bc7be50e..eb7bb93af3 100755
--- a/selfdrive/camerad/snapshot/snapshot.py
+++ b/selfdrive/camerad/snapshot/snapshot.py
@@ -50,13 +50,13 @@ def get_snapshots(frame="roadCameraState", front_frame="driverCameraState"):
 
 def snapshot():
   params = Params()
-  front_camera_allowed = int(params.get("RecordFront"))
+  front_camera_allowed = params.get_bool("RecordFront")
 
-  if params.get("IsOffroad") != b"1" or params.get("IsTakingSnapshot") == b"1":
+  if (not params.get_bool("IsOffroad")) or params.get_bool("IsTakingSnapshot"):
     print("Already taking snapshot")
     return None, None
 
-  params.put("IsTakingSnapshot", "1")
+  params.put_bool("IsTakingSnapshot", True)
   set_offroad_alert("Offroad_IsTakingSnapshot", True)
   time.sleep(2.0)  # Give thermald time to read the param, or if just started give camerad time to start
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def snapshot():
     subprocess.check_call(["pgrep", "camerad"])
 
     print("Camerad already running")
-    params.put("IsTakingSnapshot", "0")
+    params.put_bool("IsTakingSnapshot", False)
     params.delete("Offroad_IsTakingSnapshot")
     return None, None
   except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def snapshot():
   proc.send_signal(signal.SIGINT)
   proc.communicate()
 
-  params.put("IsTakingSnapshot", "0")
+  params.put_bool("IsTakingSnapshot", False)
   set_offroad_alert("Offroad_IsTakingSnapshot", False)
 
   if not front_camera_allowed:
diff --git a/selfdrive/common/params.h b/selfdrive/common/params.h
index 2362db4da5..9670abd13e 100644
--- a/selfdrive/common/params.h
+++ b/selfdrive/common/params.h
@@ -39,6 +39,10 @@ public:
     return iss.fail() ? std::nullopt : std::optional(value);
   }
 
+  inline bool getBool(const std::string &key) {
+    return getBool(key.c_str());
+  }
+
   inline bool getBool(const char *key) {
     return get(key) == "1";
   }
@@ -53,4 +57,8 @@ public:
   inline int putBool(const char *key, bool val) {
     return put(key, val ? "1" : "0", 1);
   }
+
+  inline int putBool(const std::string &key, bool val) {
+    return putBool(key.c_str(), val);
+  }
 };
diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
index b575d6eb99..d2e9842bc0 100755
--- a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
@@ -73,11 +73,11 @@ class Controls:
 
     # read params
     params = Params()
-    self.is_metric = params.get("IsMetric", encoding='utf8') == "1"
-    self.is_ldw_enabled = params.get("IsLdwEnabled", encoding='utf8') == "1"
-    community_feature_toggle = params.get("CommunityFeaturesToggle", encoding='utf8') == "1"
-    openpilot_enabled_toggle = params.get("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", encoding='utf8') == "1"
-    passive = params.get("Passive", encoding='utf8') == "1" or not openpilot_enabled_toggle
+    self.is_metric = params.get_bool("IsMetric")
+    self.is_ldw_enabled = params.get_bool("IsLdwEnabled")
+    community_feature_toggle = params.get_bool("CommunityFeaturesToggle")
+    openpilot_enabled_toggle = params.get_bool("OpenpilotEnabledToggle")
+    passive = params.get_bool("Passive") or not openpilot_enabled_toggle
 
     # detect sound card presence and ensure successful init
     sounds_available = HARDWARE.get_sound_card_online()
diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/lib/lateral_planner.py b/selfdrive/controls/lib/lateral_planner.py
index 0ea902f6ae..693d184a4f 100644
--- a/selfdrive/controls/lib/lateral_planner.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/lib/lateral_planner.py
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ class LateralPlanner():
 
     self.setup_mpc()
     self.solution_invalid_cnt = 0
-    self.use_lanelines = Params().get('EndToEndToggle') != b'1'
+    self.use_lanelines = not Params().get_bool('EndToEndToggle')
     self.lane_change_state = LaneChangeState.off
     self.lane_change_direction = LaneChangeDirection.none
     self.lane_change_timer = 0.0
diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_startup.py b/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_startup.py
index 70d1e08c6a..f6ac98fbce 100755
--- a/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_startup.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/tests/test_startup.py
@@ -45,9 +45,9 @@ class TestStartup(unittest.TestCase):
 
     params = Params()
     params.clear_all()
-    params.put("Passive", b"0")
-    params.put("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", b"1")
-    params.put("CommunityFeaturesToggle", b"1" if toggle_enabled else b"0")
+    params.put_bool("Passive", False)
+    params.put_bool("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", True)
+    params.put_bool("CommunityFeaturesToggle", toggle_enabled)
 
     time.sleep(2) # wait for controlsd to be ready
 
diff --git a/selfdrive/loggerd/tests/loggerd_tests_common.py b/selfdrive/loggerd/tests/loggerd_tests_common.py
index acd62ec915..bc9d4cf4d2 100644
--- a/selfdrive/loggerd/tests/loggerd_tests_common.py
+++ b/selfdrive/loggerd/tests/loggerd_tests_common.py
@@ -60,8 +60,17 @@ class MockParams():
       "IsOffroad": b"1",
     }
 
-  def get(self, k):
-    return self.params[k]
+  def get(self, k, block=False, encoding=None):
+    val = self.params[k]
+
+    if encoding is not None:
+      return val.decode(encoding)
+    else:
+      return val
+
+  def get_bool(self, k):
+    val = self.params[k]
+    return (val == b'1')
 
 class UploaderTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
   f_type = "UNKNOWN"
diff --git a/selfdrive/loggerd/uploader.py b/selfdrive/loggerd/uploader.py
index ea7ef5a4c0..86fdfaee9b 100644
--- a/selfdrive/loggerd/uploader.py
+++ b/selfdrive/loggerd/uploader.py
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ class Uploader():
 
 def uploader_fn(exit_event):
   params = Params()
-  dongle_id = params.get("DongleId").decode('utf8')
+  dongle_id = params.get("DongleId", encoding='utf8')
 
   if dongle_id is None:
     cloudlog.info("uploader missing dongle_id")
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ def uploader_fn(exit_event):
   backoff = 0.1
   while not exit_event.is_set():
     sm.update(0)
-    offroad = params.get("IsOffroad") == b'1'
+    offroad = params.get_bool("IsOffroad")
     network_type = sm['deviceState'].networkType if not force_wifi else NetworkType.wifi
     if network_type == NetworkType.none:
       if allow_sleep:
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ def uploader_fn(exit_event):
       continue
 
     on_wifi = network_type == NetworkType.wifi
-    allow_raw_upload = params.get("IsUploadRawEnabled") != b"0"
+    allow_raw_upload = params.get_bool("IsUploadRawEnabled")
 
     d = uploader.next_file_to_upload(with_raw=allow_raw_upload and on_wifi and offroad)
     if d is None:  # Nothing to upload
diff --git a/selfdrive/manager/manager.py b/selfdrive/manager/manager.py
index 393b513939..9919f78032 100755
--- a/selfdrive/manager/manager.py
+++ b/selfdrive/manager/manager.py
@@ -25,24 +25,15 @@ def manager_init():
   params.manager_start()
 
   default_params = [
-    ("CommunityFeaturesToggle", "0"),
-    ("EndToEndToggle", "0"),
     ("CompletedTrainingVersion", "0"),
-    ("IsRHD", "0"),
-    ("IsMetric", "0"),
-    ("RecordFront", "0"),
     ("HasAcceptedTerms", "0"),
-    ("HasCompletedSetup", "0"),
     ("IsUploadRawEnabled", "1"),
-    ("IsLdwEnabled", "0"),
     ("LastUpdateTime", datetime.datetime.utcnow().isoformat().encode('utf8')),
     ("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", "1"),
-    ("VisionRadarToggle", "0"),
-    ("IsDriverViewEnabled", "0"),
   ]
 
-  if params.get("RecordFrontLock", encoding='utf-8') == "1":
-    params.put("RecordFront", "1")
+  if params.get_bool("RecordFrontLock"):
+    params.put_bool("RecordFront", True)
 
   # set unset params
   for k, v in default_params:
@@ -123,7 +114,7 @@ def manager_thread():
       not_run.append("loggerd")
 
     started = sm['deviceState'].started
-    driverview = params.get("IsDriverViewEnabled") == b"1"
+    driverview = params.get_bool("IsDriverViewEnabled")
     ensure_running(managed_processes.values(), started, driverview, not_run)
 
     # trigger an update after going offroad
@@ -143,7 +134,7 @@ def manager_thread():
     pm.send('managerState', msg)
 
     # Exit main loop when uninstall is needed
-    if params.get("DoUninstall", encoding='utf8') == "1":
+    if params.get_bool("DoUninstall"):
       break
 
 
@@ -172,7 +163,7 @@ def main():
   finally:
     manager_cleanup()
 
-  if Params().get("DoUninstall", encoding='utf8') == "1":
+  if Params().get_bool("DoUninstall"):
     cloudlog.warning("uninstalling")
     HARDWARE.uninstall()
 
diff --git a/selfdrive/monitoring/dmonitoringd.py b/selfdrive/monitoring/dmonitoringd.py
index 83313b8200..8321d37347 100755
--- a/selfdrive/monitoring/dmonitoringd.py
+++ b/selfdrive/monitoring/dmonitoringd.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ def dmonitoringd_thread(sm=None, pm=None):
   if sm is None:
     sm = messaging.SubMaster(['driverState', 'liveCalibration', 'carState', 'controlsState', 'modelV2'], poll=['driverState'])
 
-  driver_status = DriverStatus(rhd=Params().get("IsRHD") == b"1")
+  driver_status = DriverStatus(rhd=Params().get_bool("IsRHD"))
 
   sm['liveCalibration'].calStatus = Calibration.INVALID
   sm['liveCalibration'].rpyCalib = [0, 0, 0]
diff --git a/selfdrive/test/helpers.py b/selfdrive/test/helpers.py
index fda1a31755..a1719d1700 100644
--- a/selfdrive/test/helpers.py
+++ b/selfdrive/test/helpers.py
@@ -11,11 +11,10 @@ def set_params_enabled():
   from common.params import Params
   params = Params()
   params.put("HasAcceptedTerms", terms_version)
-  params.put("HasCompletedSetup", "1")
-  params.put("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", "1")
-  params.put("CommunityFeaturesToggle", "1")
-  params.put("Passive", "0")
   params.put("CompletedTrainingVersion", training_version)
+  params.put_bool("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", True)
+  params.put_bool("CommunityFeaturesToggle", True)
+  params.put_bool("Passive", False)
 
 
 def phone_only(x):
diff --git a/selfdrive/test/longitudinal_maneuvers/test_longitudinal.py b/selfdrive/test/longitudinal_maneuvers/test_longitudinal.py
index 010aa82023..1a2edc63ea 100755
--- a/selfdrive/test/longitudinal_maneuvers/test_longitudinal.py
+++ b/selfdrive/test/longitudinal_maneuvers/test_longitudinal.py
@@ -326,9 +326,9 @@ class LongitudinalControl(unittest.TestCase):
 
     params = Params()
     params.clear_all()
-    params.put("Passive", "1" if os.getenv("PASSIVE") else "0")
-    params.put("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", "1")
-    params.put("CommunityFeaturesToggle", "1")
+    params.put_bool("Passive", bool(os.getenv("PASSIVE")))
+    params.put_bool("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", True)
+    params.put_bool("CommunityFeaturesToggle", True)
 
   # hack
   def test_longitudinal_setup(self):
diff --git a/selfdrive/test/process_replay/process_replay.py b/selfdrive/test/process_replay/process_replay.py
index b988fa6f6a..b1953b8732 100755
--- a/selfdrive/test/process_replay/process_replay.py
+++ b/selfdrive/test/process_replay/process_replay.py
@@ -338,9 +338,9 @@ def python_replay_process(cfg, lr):
   params = Params()
   params.clear_all()
   params.manager_start()
-  params.put("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", "1")
-  params.put("Passive", "0")
-  params.put("CommunityFeaturesToggle", "1")
+  params.put_bool("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", True)
+  params.put_bool("Passive", False)
+  params.put_bool("CommunityFeaturesToggle", True)
 
   os.environ['NO_RADAR_SLEEP'] = "1"
   os.environ['SKIP_FW_QUERY'] = "1"
diff --git a/selfdrive/test/test_updated.py b/selfdrive/test/test_updated.py
index 8ecd27456d..b06a79fac1 100755
--- a/selfdrive/test/test_updated.py
+++ b/selfdrive/test/test_updated.py
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ class TestUpdated(unittest.TestCase):
     return subprocess.Popen(updated_path, env=os.environ)
 
   def _start_updater(self, offroad=True, nosleep=False):
-    self.params.put("IsOffroad", "1" if offroad else "0")
+    self.params.put_bool("IsOffroad", offroad)
     self.updated_proc = self._get_updated_proc()
     if not nosleep:
       time.sleep(1)
diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/power_monitoring.py b/selfdrive/thermald/power_monitoring.py
index 485ebd2dee..4dda8c413f 100644
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/power_monitoring.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/power_monitoring.py
@@ -164,8 +164,8 @@ class PowerMonitoring:
     disable_charging |= (self.car_voltage_mV < (VBATT_PAUSE_CHARGING * 1e3))
     disable_charging |= (self.car_battery_capacity_uWh <= 0)
     disable_charging &= (not pandaState.pandaState.ignitionLine and not pandaState.pandaState.ignitionCan)
-    disable_charging &= (self.params.get("DisablePowerDown") != b"1")
-    disable_charging |= (self.params.get("ForcePowerDown") == b"1")
+    disable_charging &= (not self.params.get_bool("DisablePowerDown"))
+    disable_charging |= self.params.get_bool("ForcePowerDown")
     return disable_charging
 
   # See if we need to shutdown
diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/tests/test_power_monitoring.py b/selfdrive/thermald/tests/test_power_monitoring.py
index 78b31c5659..d669e0922b 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/tests/test_power_monitoring.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/tests/test_power_monitoring.py
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ class TestPowerMonitoring(unittest.TestCase):
     BATT_VOLTAGE = 4
     BATT_CURRENT = 0 # To stop shutting down for other reasons
     TEST_TIME = 100
-    params.put("DisablePowerDown", b"1")
+    params.put_bool("DisablePowerDown", True)
     with pm_patch("HARDWARE.get_battery_voltage", BATT_VOLTAGE * 1e6), pm_patch("HARDWARE.get_battery_current", BATT_CURRENT * 1e6), \
     pm_patch("HARDWARE.get_battery_status", "Discharging"), pm_patch("HARDWARE.get_current_power_draw", None):
       pm = PowerMonitoring()
diff --git a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
index 9f76980174..2285c5d0c7 100755
--- a/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
+++ b/selfdrive/thermald/thermald.py
@@ -327,8 +327,8 @@ def thermald_thread():
       set_offroad_alert_if_changed("Offroad_ConnectivityNeeded", False)
       set_offroad_alert_if_changed("Offroad_ConnectivityNeededPrompt", False)
 
-    startup_conditions["up_to_date"] = params.get("Offroad_ConnectivityNeeded") is None or params.get("DisableUpdates") == b"1"
-    startup_conditions["not_uninstalling"] = not params.get("DoUninstall") == b"1"
+    startup_conditions["up_to_date"] = params.get("Offroad_ConnectivityNeeded") is None or params.get_bool("DisableUpdates")
+    startup_conditions["not_uninstalling"] = not params.get_bool("DoUninstall")
     startup_conditions["accepted_terms"] = params.get("HasAcceptedTerms") == terms_version
 
     panda_signature = params.get("PandaFirmware")
@@ -339,8 +339,8 @@ def thermald_thread():
     startup_conditions["free_space"] = msg.deviceState.freeSpacePercent > 2
     startup_conditions["completed_training"] = params.get("CompletedTrainingVersion") == training_version or \
                                                (current_branch in ['dashcam', 'dashcam-staging'])
-    startup_conditions["not_driver_view"] = not params.get("IsDriverViewEnabled") == b"1"
-    startup_conditions["not_taking_snapshot"] = not params.get("IsTakingSnapshot") == b"1"
+    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
     startup_conditions["device_temp_good"] = thermal_status < ThermalStatus.danger
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ def thermald_thread():
         cloudlog.event("Startup blocked", startup_conditions=startup_conditions)
 
       if should_start_prev or (count == 0):
-        params.put("IsOffroad", "1")
+        params.put_bool("IsOffroad", True)
         if TICI and DISABLE_LTE_ONROAD:
           os.system("sudo systemctl start --no-block lte")
 
diff --git a/selfdrive/timezoned.py b/selfdrive/timezoned.py
index 458faae147..88b3f8c611 100755
--- a/selfdrive/timezoned.py
+++ b/selfdrive/timezoned.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ def main():
   while True:
     time.sleep(60)
 
-    is_onroad = params.get("IsOffroad") != b"1"
+    is_onroad = not params.get_bool("IsOffroad")
     if is_onroad:
       continue
 
diff --git a/selfdrive/ui/tests/cycle_offroad_alerts.py b/selfdrive/ui/tests/cycle_offroad_alerts.py
index 10614b95d4..6b3453026b 100755
--- a/selfdrive/ui/tests/cycle_offroad_alerts.py
+++ b/selfdrive/ui/tests/cycle_offroad_alerts.py
@@ -17,13 +17,13 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
   t = 10 if len(sys.argv) < 2 else int(sys.argv[1])
   while True:
     print("setting alert update")
-    params.put("UpdateAvailable", "1")
+    params.put_bool("UpdateAvailable", True)
     r = open(os.path.join(BASEDIR, "RELEASES.md"), "r").read()
     r = r[:r.find('\n\n')]  # Slice latest release notes
     params.put("ReleaseNotes", r + "\n")
 
     time.sleep(t)
-    params.put("UpdateAvailable", "0")
+    params.put_bool("UpdateAvailable", False)
 
     # cycle through normal alerts
     for a in offroad_alerts:
diff --git a/selfdrive/updated.py b/selfdrive/updated.py
index 035b9a967e..ad2d880105 100755
--- a/selfdrive/updated.py
+++ b/selfdrive/updated.py
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ def set_params(new_version: bool, failed_count: int, exception: Optional[str]) -
       params.put("ReleaseNotes", r + b"\n")
     except Exception:
       params.put("ReleaseNotes", "")
-    params.put("UpdateAvailable", "1")
+    params.put_bool("UpdateAvailable", True)
 
 
 def setup_git_options(cwd: str) -> None:
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ def init_overlay() -> None:
   cloudlog.info("preparing new safe staging area")
 
   params = Params()
-  params.put("UpdateAvailable", "0")
+  params.put_bool("UpdateAvailable", False)
   set_consistent_flag(False)
   dismount_overlay()
   if os.path.isdir(STAGING_ROOT):
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ def fetch_update(wait_helper: WaitTimeHelper) -> bool:
 def main():
   params = Params()
 
-  if params.get("DisableUpdates") == b"1":
+  if params.get_bool("DisableUpdates"):
     raise RuntimeError("updates are disabled by the DisableUpdates param")
 
   if EON and os.geteuid() != 0:
@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@ def main():
 
     # Don't run updater while onroad or if the time's wrong
     time_wrong = datetime.datetime.utcnow().year < 2019
-    is_onroad = params.get("IsOffroad") != b"1"
+    is_onroad = not params.get_bool("IsOffroad")
     if is_onroad or time_wrong:
       wait_helper.sleep(30)
       cloudlog.info("not running updater, not offroad")