diff --git a/src/lxc/lxc_driver.c b/src/lxc/lxc_driver.c
index 679e936648..f7e9c7d340 100644
--- a/src/lxc/lxc_driver.c
+++ b/src/lxc/lxc_driver.c
@@ -126,7 +126,8 @@ static virDrvOpenStatus lxcOpen(virConnectPtr conn,
             return VIR_DRV_OPEN_DECLINED;
 
         /* If path isn't '/' then they typoed, tell them correct path */
-        if (STRNEQ(conn->uri->path, "/")) {
+        if (conn->uri->path != NULL &&
+            STRNEQ(conn->uri->path, "/")) {
             lxcError(VIR_ERR_INTERNAL_ERROR,
                      _("Unexpected LXC URI path '%s', try lxc:///"),
                      conn->uri->path);