diff --git a/tests/hwsim/fst_test_common.py b/tests/hwsim/fst_test_common.py
index 4b6bab07d..440d65f9f 100644
--- a/tests/hwsim/fst_test_common.py
+++ b/tests/hwsim/fst_test_common.py
@@ -24,14 +24,9 @@ fst_test_def_reg_domain = '00'
 
 class HapdRegCtrl:
     def __init__(self):
-        self.refcnt = 0
         self.ifname = None
         self.changed = False
 
-    def __del__(self):
-        if self.refcnt != 0 and self.changed == True:
-            self.restore_reg_domain()
-
     def start(self):
         if self.ifname != None:
              hapd = hostapd.Hostapd(self.ifname)