diff --git a/mopidy/frontends/mpris.py b/mopidy/frontends/mpris.py
index 8ec8c0a7..3ba6fcf8 100644
--- a/mopidy/frontends/mpris.py
+++ b/mopidy/frontends/mpris.py
@@ -381,6 +381,11 @@ class MprisObject(dbus.service.Object):
             self.backend.playback.single = False
 
     def set_Rate(self, value):
+        if not self.get_CanControl():
+            # NOTE The spec does not explictly require this check, but it was
+            # added to be consistent with all the other property setters.
+            logger.debug(u'Setting %s.Rate not allowed', PLAYER_IFACE)
+            return # TODO Raise error
         if value == 0:
             self.Pause()
 
diff --git a/tests/frontends/mpris/player_interface_test.py b/tests/frontends/mpris/player_interface_test.py
index 76cfabec..03f04842 100644
--- a/tests/frontends/mpris/player_interface_test.py
+++ b/tests/frontends/mpris/player_interface_test.py
@@ -89,6 +89,14 @@ class PlayerInterfaceTest(unittest.TestCase):
         maximum_rate = self.mpris.Get(mpris.PLAYER_IFACE, 'MaximumRate')
         self.assert_(rate >= maximum_rate)
 
+    def test_set_rate_is_ignored_if_can_control_is_false(self):
+        self.mpris.get_CanControl = lambda *_: False
+        self.backend.current_playlist.append([Track(uri='a'), Track(uri='b')])
+        self.backend.playback.play()
+        self.assertEquals(self.backend.playback.state.get(), PLAYING)
+        self.mpris.Set(mpris.PLAYER_IFACE, 'Rate', 0)
+        self.assertEquals(self.backend.playback.state.get(), PLAYING)
+
     def test_set_rate_to_zero_pauses_playback(self):
         self.backend.current_playlist.append([Track(uri='a'), Track(uri='b')])
         self.backend.playback.play()