diff --git a/dist/tools/cc2538-bsl/cc2538-bsl.py b/dist/tools/cc2538-bsl/cc2538-bsl.py
index ec3d3a3e3eb1..f1ef8dbbaa76 100755
--- a/dist/tools/cc2538-bsl/cc2538-bsl.py
+++ b/dist/tools/cc2538-bsl/cc2538-bsl.py
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@
 import subprocess
 import struct
 import binascii
+import time
 
 #version
 VERSION_STRING = "1.0"
@@ -122,6 +123,9 @@ def open(self, aport='/dev/tty.usbserial-000013FAB', abaudrate=500000):
         self.sp.setRTS(0)
         self.sp.setDTR(0)
 
+        # Wait for the board to reset
+        time.sleep(0.5)
+
     def close(self):
         self.sp.close()