diff --git a/libburn/drive.c b/libburn/drive.c
index a33260b..041e8e0 100644
--- a/libburn/drive.c
+++ b/libburn/drive.c
@@ -410,3 +410,14 @@ int burn_drive_is_banned(char *device_address)
 			return 0;
 	return 1;
 }
+
+/* ts A60822 */
+int burn_drive_is_open(struct burn_drive *d)
+{
+	/* a bit more detailed case distinction than needed */
+	if(d->fd == -1337)
+		return 0;
+	if(d->fd < 0)
+		return 0;
+	return 1;
+}
diff --git a/libburn/drive.h b/libburn/drive.h
index e6f7e27..7f4ebc8 100644
--- a/libburn/drive.h
+++ b/libburn/drive.h
@@ -50,4 +50,7 @@ void burn_disc_erase_sync(struct burn_drive *d, int fast);
 int burn_drive_get_block_types(struct burn_drive *d,
 			       enum burn_write_types write_type);
 
+/* ts A60822 */
+int burn_drive_is_open(struct burn_drive *d);
+
 #endif /* __DRIVE */