diff --git a/mods/carts/cart_entity.lua b/mods/carts/cart_entity.lua
index 2db15bc3..3dfebe1d 100644
--- a/mods/carts/cart_entity.lua
+++ b/mods/carts/cart_entity.lua
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ minetest.register_craftitem("carts:cart", {
 		minetest.sound_play({name = "default_place_node_metal", gain = 0.5},
 			{pos = pointed_thing.above}, true)
 
-		local player_name = placer and placer:get_player_name()
+		local player_name = placer and placer:get_player_name() or ""
 		if not minetest.is_creative_enabled(player_name) then
 			itemstack:take_item()
 		end