diff --git a/c++/carla-backend/carla_backend_standalone.cpp b/c++/carla-backend/carla_backend_standalone.cpp
index 7e21ec9..0543ede 100644
--- a/c++/carla-backend/carla_backend_standalone.cpp
+++ b/c++/carla-backend/carla_backend_standalone.cpp
@@ -293,7 +293,6 @@ bool engine_close()
 bool is_engine_running()
 {
     qDebug("CarlaBackendStandalone::is_engine_running()");
-    CARLA_ASSERT(carlaEngine);
 
     return carlaEngine && carlaEngine->isRunning();
 }