diff --git a/kernel/sched.c b/kernel/sched.c
index 0c87126..f303070 100644
--- a/kernel/sched.c
+++ b/kernel/sched.c
@@ -4981,12 +4981,15 @@
 			    param->sched_priority > rlim_rtprio)
 				return -EPERM;
 		}
+
 		/*
-		 * Like positive nice levels, dont allow tasks to
-		 * move out of SCHED_IDLE either:
+		 * Treat SCHED_IDLE as nice 20. Only allow a switch to
+		 * SCHED_NORMAL if the RLIMIT_NICE would normally permit it.
 		 */
-		if (p->policy == SCHED_IDLE && policy != SCHED_IDLE)
-			return -EPERM;
+		if (p->policy == SCHED_IDLE && policy != SCHED_IDLE) {
+			if (!can_nice(p, TASK_NICE(p)))
+				return -EPERM;
+		}
 
 		/* can't change other user's priorities */
 		if (!check_same_owner(p))