diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL/board/linux.h b/libraries/AP_HAL/board/linux.h
index c36205d737..989b768c53 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL/board/linux.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL/board/linux.h
@@ -396,3 +396,10 @@
 #ifndef HAL_GYROFFT_ENABLED
 #define HAL_GYROFFT_ENABLED 0
 #endif
+
+#if (CONFIG_HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE == HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_LINUX_NONE) && HAL_FORCE_32BIT
+// we can use virtual CAN on native builds
+#define HAL_LINUX_USE_VIRTUAL_CAN 1
+#else
+#define HAL_LINUX_USE_VIRTUAL_CAN 0
+#endif