diff --git a/net/mac802154/iface.c b/net/mac802154/iface.c
index d635f36..83715b5 100644
--- a/net/mac802154/iface.c
+++ b/net/mac802154/iface.c
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@
 		(struct sockaddr_ieee802154 *)&ifr->ifr_addr;
 	int err = -ENOIOCTLCMD;
 
+	ASSERT_RTNL();
+
 	spin_lock_bh(&sdata->mib_lock);
 
 	switch (cmd) {
@@ -87,6 +89,11 @@
 		break;
 	}
 	case SIOCSIFADDR:
+		if (netif_running(dev)) {
+			spin_unlock_bh(&sdata->mib_lock);
+			return -EBUSY;
+		}
+
 		dev_warn(&dev->dev,
 			 "Using DEBUGing ioctl SIOCSIFADDR isn't recommended!\n");
 		if (sa->family != AF_IEEE802154 ||