diff --git a/gclient-new-workdir.py b/gclient-new-workdir.py
index 86f0b3d764..55fbcfaf91 100755
--- a/gclient-new-workdir.py
+++ b/gclient-new-workdir.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import subprocess
 import sys
 import textwrap
 
+import gclient_utils
 import git_common
 
 
@@ -23,6 +24,9 @@ def parse_options():
             'ERROR: This script cannot run on Windows because it uses symlinks.'
         )
         sys.exit(1)
+    if gclient_utils.IsEnvCog():
+        print('ERROR: This script cannot run in non-git environment.')
+        sys.exit(1)
 
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='''\
       Clone an existing gclient directory, taking care of all sub-repositories.