diff --git a/cmd/vgwrdma/main.go b/cmd/vgwrdma/main.go
index 45975089..29de5ec1 100644
--- a/cmd/vgwrdma/main.go
+++ b/cmd/vgwrdma/main.go
@@ -1162,7 +1162,7 @@ func runGateway(ctx context.Context, be backend.Backend) error {
 		// chain as usual.
 		rcAuth := func(ctx fiber.Ctx) error {
 			if err := rcVerify(ctx); err != nil {
-				return err
+				return rcroutes.WriteRouteError(ctx, err)
 			}
 			return ctx.Next()
 		}