diff --git a/java/libraries/serial/src/processing/serial/Serial.java b/java/libraries/serial/src/processing/serial/Serial.java
index 0995f90fc..a247591ab 100644
--- a/java/libraries/serial/src/processing/serial/Serial.java
+++ b/java/libraries/serial/src/processing/serial/Serial.java
@@ -143,6 +143,8 @@ public class Serial implements SerialPortEventListener {
           "sudo mkdir -p /var/lock\n" +
           "sudo chmod 777 /var/lock";
         System.err.println(MESSAGE);
+        throw new RuntimeException("Additional installation required to " +
+        		                       "use serial, read the console below.");
       }
     }