diff --git a/tools/driver/p4c_src/main.py b/tools/driver/p4c_src/main.py
index a4e0f8fe0d..633bef1dd7 100644
--- a/tools/driver/p4c_src/main.py
+++ b/tools/driver/p4c_src/main.py
@@ -631,7 +631,8 @@ def main():
         string_to_pass_as___source_file = opts.json_source
 
     if P4_input_or_inputs_specified:
-        assert 1 == len(opts.P4_source_files)
+        if checkInput:
+            assert 1 == len(opts.P4_source_files)
         assert not JSON_input_specified
         string_to_pass_as___source_file = opts.P4_source_files[0]