diff --git a/lisp/vc/vc.el b/lisp/vc/vc.el
index d3d66d6fb5f..6962664d59f 100644
--- a/lisp/vc/vc.el
+++ b/lisp/vc/vc.el
@@ -1536,8 +1536,7 @@ The optional argument REV may be a string specifying the new revision
 level (only supported for some older VCSes, like RCS and CVS).
 
 Runs the normal hooks `vc-before-checkin-hook' and `vc-checkin-hook'."
-  (when vc-before-checkin-hook
-    (run-hooks 'vc-before-checkin-hook))
+  (run-hooks 'vc-before-checkin-hook)
   (vc-start-logentry
    files comment initial-contents
    "Enter a change comment."