diff --git a/Sources/Actions/Post2.php b/Sources/Actions/Post2.php
index 458498073f..5685ed274f 100644
--- a/Sources/Actions/Post2.php
+++ b/Sources/Actions/Post2.php
@@ -180,7 +180,9 @@ public function submit(): void
 		$this->submitAttachments();
 
 		// Replies to unapproved topics are unapproved by default (but not for moderators)
-		if (empty(Topic::$info->is_approved) && !$this->can_approve) {
+		// There is no topic yet when starting a new one, so Topic::$info is null
+		// in that case and must not be mistaken for an unapproved topic.
+		if ($this->intent !== self::INTENT_NEW_TOPIC && empty(Topic::$info->is_approved) && !$this->can_approve) {
 			$this->becomes_approved = false;
 
 			// Set a nice session var...