diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
index 980ae70ea424..a314c2c2bfbe 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
@@ -647,7 +647,7 @@ init:
 	}
 
 unlock:
-	if (err && (vif_id != -1)) {
+	if (err && (vif_id >= 0)) {
 		vif_priv->active = false;
 		bitmap_release_region(&ar->vif_bitmap, vif_id, 0);
 		ar->vifs--;