diff --git a/addons/godot_state_charts/compound_state.gd b/addons/godot_state_charts/compound_state.gd
index 3ea7d13..9f20f5e 100644
--- a/addons/godot_state_charts/compound_state.gd
+++ b/addons/godot_state_charts/compound_state.gd
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@ func _handle_transition(transition: Transition, source: State) -> void:
 		push_error("the target state: %s of transition from state: %s is not a state" % [str(transition.to), source.name])
 		return
 	
+	if target.active:
+		return
+	
 	# if direct child, just switch active state
 	if target in get_children():
 		# deactivate current state