A method and apparatus are disclosed to prevent RAN (Radio Access Network) overload. In one embodiment, the method comprises initiating, at a User Equipment (UE), a RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection establishment procedure to establish a RRC connection to a cell. The method also comprises initiating, at the User Equipment (UE), a Random Access procedure due to a transmission of a RRCConnectionRequest message for the RRC connection establishment procedure, wherein an establishment cause in the RRCConnectionRequest message is set to delay tolerant access, and the UE stops the Random Access procedure if the UE considers access to the cell as barred based on barring information for delay tolerant access of the cell.