diff --git a/src/python/m5/main.py b/src/python/m5/main.py
index fae04e76c4..fd1f6a0db6 100644
--- a/src/python/m5/main.py
+++ b/src/python/m5/main.py
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ def interact(scope):
 
 
 def _check_tracing():
-    import defines
+    from . import defines
 
     if defines.TRACING_ON:
         return