diff --git a/cpu/native/can/candev_linux.c b/cpu/native/can/candev_linux.c
index 1bbf888e58..874931cdb6 100644
--- a/cpu/native/can/candev_linux.c
+++ b/cpu/native/can/candev_linux.c
@@ -195,7 +195,14 @@ static int _init(candev_t *candev)
 
     real_bind(dev->sock, (struct sockaddr *)&addr, sizeof(addr));
 
-    _set_bittiming(dev, &candev->bittiming);
+    /* Only set bitrate on real can interfaces.
+     * Not supported on virtual can interfaces ("vcanX") */
+    if (strncmp(dev->conf->interface_name, "can", strlen("can"))) {
+        DEBUG("not setting bitrate on virtual can interface %s\n", dev->conf->interface_name);
+    }
+    else {
+        _set_bittiming(dev, &candev->bittiming);
+    }
 
     DEBUG("CAN linux device ready\n");
 
@@ -300,6 +307,8 @@ static int _set(candev_t *candev, canopt_t opt, void *value, size_t value_len)
     case CANOPT_BITTIMING:
         DEBUG("candev_linux: CANOPT_BITTIMING\n");
 
+        /* Only set bitrate on real can interfaces.
+         * Not supported on virtual can interfaces ("vcanX") */
         if (strncmp(dev->conf->interface_name, "can", strlen("can"))) {
             DEBUG("candev_native: _set: error interface is not real can\n");
             return -EINVAL;