diff --git a/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py b/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
index 9919821fe..b7df39e79 100644
--- a/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
+++ b/r2/r2/lib/validator/validator.py
@@ -1233,7 +1233,7 @@ class VSubmitSR(Validator):
             self.set_error(errors.SUBREDDIT_NOTALLOWED)
             return
 
-        if sr.hide_ads:
+        if sr.hide_ads and self.promotion:
             self.set_error(errors.SUBREDDIT_DISABLED_ADS)
             return