diff --git a/drivers/net/virtio/virtio_pci.c b/drivers/net/virtio/virtio_pci.c
index c007959..3a25f82 100644
--- a/drivers/net/virtio/virtio_pci.c
+++ b/drivers/net/virtio/virtio_pci.c
@@ -626,6 +626,7 @@ next:
  * Return -1:
  *   if there is error mapping with VFIO/UIO.
  *   if port map error when driver type is KDRV_NONE.
+ *   if whitelisted but driver type is KDRV_UNKNOWN.
  * Return 1 if kernel driver is managing the device.
  * Return 0 on success.
  */
@@ -650,7 +651,8 @@ vtpci_init(struct rte_pci_device *dev, struct virtio_hw *hw)
 	PMD_INIT_LOG(INFO, "trying with legacy virtio pci.");
 	if (legacy_virtio_resource_init(dev, hw) < 0) {
 		if (dev->kdrv == RTE_KDRV_UNKNOWN &&
-		    dev->devargs->type != RTE_DEVTYPE_WHITELISTED_PCI) {
+                    (!dev->devargs ||
+ 		     dev->devargs->type != RTE_DEVTYPE_WHITELISTED_PCI)) {
 			PMD_INIT_LOG(INFO,
 				"skip kernel managed virtio device.");
 			return 1;