diff --git a/cmd/root.go b/cmd/root.go
index e7b43d269..1d9ad570d 100644
--- a/cmd/root.go
+++ b/cmd/root.go
@@ -262,9 +262,11 @@ func runRoot(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		// expose sponsor to UI
 		if sponsor.Subject != "" {
 			valueChan <- util.Param{Key: "sponsor", Val: sponsor.Subject}
-			if validDuration := time.Until(sponsor.ExpiresAt); validDuration < 30*24*time.Hour {
-				valueChan <- util.Param{Key: "sponsorTokenExpires", Val: validDuration}
+			var validDuration time.Duration
+			if d := time.Until(sponsor.ExpiresAt); d > 0 && d < 30*24*time.Hour {
+				validDuration = d
 			}
+			valueChan <- util.Param{Key: "sponsorTokenExpires", Val: validDuration}
 		}
 
 		// allow web access for vehicles