diff --git a/validation/tools/yolo_local_image_validation.py b/validation/tools/yolo_local_image_validation.py
index f0cff5b..6aac69b 100644
--- a/validation/tools/yolo_local_image_validation.py
+++ b/validation/tools/yolo_local_image_validation.py
@@ -3,11 +3,24 @@
 import argparse
 import json
 import subprocess
+import sys
 import tempfile
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import numpy as np
 from PIL import Image
+
+SCRIPT_DIR = Path(__file__).resolve().parent
+VALIDATION_DIR = SCRIPT_DIR.parent
+if str(VALIDATION_DIR) not in sys.path:
+    sys.path.insert(0, str(VALIDATION_DIR))
+
+if sys.version_info < (3, 10):
+    raise SystemExit(
+        "yolo_local_image_validation.py requires Python 3.10+ because validation modules use modern type syntax. "
+        "Run it with a newer interpreter, for example your project venv Python."
+    )
+
 from onnx_utils import _ONNX_TO_NP, onnx_io, write_inputs_to_memory_bin
 from validate_one import MODE_COMPILE_ONLY, build_dump_ranges, run_pim_simulator, sanitize_output_name, validate_network
 from yolo_real_image_validation import (