diff --git a/src/k_kart.c b/src/k_kart.c
index 953ba027..4edfe0da 100644
--- a/src/k_kart.c
+++ b/src/k_kart.c
@@ -4755,6 +4755,8 @@ void K_CheckSpectateStatus(void)
 				return;
 			if (numingame < 2 || leveltime < starttime || mapreset) // Allow if the match hasn't started yet
                 continue;
+			if (leveltime > 20*TICRATE) // DON'T allow if the match is 20 seconds in
+                return;
             if (G_RaceGametype() && players[i].laps) // DON'T allow if the race is at 2 laps
                 return;
 			continue;