diff --git a/src/sbin/lorax b/src/sbin/lorax
index 3c58be97..f3d0b8e9 100755
--- a/src/sbin/lorax
+++ b/src/sbin/lorax
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import dnf.logging
 import librepo
 import pylorax
 from pylorax.cmdline import lorax_parser
+import selinux
 
 def setup_logging(opts):
     pylorax.setup_logging(opts.logfile, log)
@@ -71,6 +72,11 @@ def main():
 
     setup_logging(opts)
 
+    log.info("checking the selinux mode")
+    if selinux.is_selinux_enabled() and selinux.security_getenforce():
+        log.critical("selinux must be disabled or in Permissive mode")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
     if not opts.workdir:
         tempfile.tempdir = opts.tmp