diff --git a/drivers/i2c/busses/i2c-riic.c b/drivers/i2c/busses/i2c-riic.c
index 78b84445ee6a..1d3dbc1bfc25 100644
--- a/drivers/i2c/busses/i2c-riic.c
+++ b/drivers/i2c/busses/i2c-riic.c
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ static int riic_init_hw(struct riic_dev *riic, struct i2c_timings *t)
 	 * frequency with only 62 clock ticks max (31 high, 31 low).
 	 * Aim for a duty of 60% LOW, 40% HIGH.
 	 */
-	total_ticks = DIV_ROUND_UP(rate, t->bus_freq_hz);
+	total_ticks = DIV_ROUND_UP(rate, t->bus_freq_hz ?: 1);
 
 	for (cks = 0; cks < 7; cks++) {
 		/*