diff --git a/dvc/commands/status.py b/dvc/commands/status.py
index 362a3a3f9b..93a9b03273 100644
--- a/dvc/commands/status.py
+++ b/dvc/commands/status.py
@@ -65,13 +65,13 @@ def run(self):
                 logger.exception("")
                 return 1
 
-            if self.args.quiet:
-                return bool(st)
-
             if self.args.json:
                 ui.write_json(st)
                 return 0
 
+            if self.args.quiet:
+                return bool(st)
+
             if st:
                 self._show(st, indent)
                 return 0