diff --git a/src/netnode.py b/src/netnode.py
--- a/src/netnode.py
+++ b/src/netnode.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import os
+from datetime import datetime
 import socket
 import logging as log
 
@@ -62,7 +63,15 @@ class NetNode:
 			f = open(lock_file, "x")
 			f.close()
 		except FileExistsError:
-			raise LockedException()
+			stat = os.stat(lock_file)
+			dt = datetime.now().timestamp()-stat.st_mtime
+			if dt<5*60:
+				raise LockedException()
+			log.warning("Found an old lock file ({0}s), ignoring it.".format(round(dt)))
+			self._refresh_lock()
+
+	def _refresh_lock(self):
+		os.utime(lock_file)
 
 	def _unlock(self):
 		os.remove(lock_file)