diff --git a/src/github.ts b/src/github.ts
index 1eab989..a825550 100644
--- a/src/github.ts
+++ b/src/github.ts
@@ -162,6 +162,9 @@ export const needsUpdate = async (prNumber: number) => {
   // get the PR and check if its base sha is the same as its base branch
   const pr = await fetchPr(prNumber);
 
+  // if maintainers can't modify the PR, it doesn't need to be updated
+  if (!pr.maintainer_can_modify) return false;
+
   // if the PR is not open, it doesn't need to be updated
   if (pr.state !== "open") return false;