diff --git a/src/commands.py b/src/commands.py
index 82b5b2280..2aa838c1b 100644
--- a/src/commands.py
+++ b/src/commands.py
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ getMatcher = _getRe(utils.str.perlReToPythonRe)
 getReplacer = _getRe(utils.str.perlReToReplacer)
 
 def getNick(irc, msg, args, state):
-    if ircutils.isNick(args[0]):
+    if ircutils.isNick(args[0], conf.supybot.protocols.irc.strictRfc()):
         if 'nicklen' in irc.state.supported:
             if len(args[0]) > irc.state.supported['nicklen']:
                 state.errorInvalid('nick', args[0],