diff --git a/compiler/parampatterns.nim b/compiler/parampatterns.nim
index eb99004ab3c1..bfbc7267588f 100644
--- a/compiler/parampatterns.nim
+++ b/compiler/parampatterns.nim
@@ -143,8 +143,11 @@ proc checkForSideEffects*(n: PNode): TSideEffectAnalysis =
       let s = op.sym
       if sfSideEffect in s.flags:
         return seSideEffect
-      # assume no side effect:
-      result = seNoSideEffect
+      elif tfNoSideEffect in op.typ.flags:
+        result = seNoSideEffect
+      else:
+        # assume side effect:
+        result = seSideEffect
     elif tfNoSideEffect in op.typ.flags:
       # indirect call without side effects:
       result = seNoSideEffect
diff --git a/tests/template/t6217.nim b/tests/template/t6217.nim
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..b27b61881dea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/template/t6217.nim
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+discard """
+  output: '''
+start
+side effect!
+end
+'''
+"""
+
+# bug #6217
+
+template optMul{`*`(a, 2)}(a: int{noSideEffect}): int = a+a
+
+proc f(): int =
+  echo "side effect!"
+  result = 55
+
+echo "start"
+doAssert f() * 2 == 110
+echo "end"