diff --git a/api/src/opentrons/protocol_api/core/engine/instrument.py b/api/src/opentrons/protocol_api/core/engine/instrument.py
index f89ce541a09..9ffaeacf667 100644
--- a/api/src/opentrons/protocol_api/core/engine/instrument.py
+++ b/api/src/opentrons/protocol_api/core/engine/instrument.py
@@ -218,8 +218,6 @@ def aspirate(
             in_place: whether this is a in-place command.
             meniscus_tracking: Optional data about where to aspirate from.
         """
-        if meniscus_tracking == MeniscusTrackingTarget.START and end_location is None:
-            raise ValueError("Cannot aspirate at the starting liquid height.")
         final_location = location
         if well_core is None:
             if not in_place: