One of the most common questions asked by prospective car buyers is whether or not car dealerships are open on Sundays. It’s not an unreasonable question, considering that weekends are typically when people have more free time to explore their options and make big-ticket purchases.
In the United States, the answer to this question varies depending on the state and local laws. In this article, we’ll dive into why some dealerships are closed on Sundays and which states have specific laws that don’t allow car sales on Sundays.
Why Are Some Car Dealerships Closed on Sundays?
Historically, dealerships were closed on Sundays due to “blue laws“, which are regulations designed to restrict certain activities on Sundays for religious reasons.
While the origin of these laws dates back centuries, they were widely adopted in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These laws were intended to encourage people to focus on religious observance and rest rather than partake in commercial activities.
Although many blue laws have been repealed or modified over time, some states and municipalities still maintain restrictions on specific businesses, including car dealerships. There are a few reasons for this:
- Respect for tradition: Despite the diminishing influence of blue laws, some communities continue to uphold the tradition of keeping businesses closed on Sundays.
- Work-life balance: For many car dealership employees, having a guaranteed day off each week allows them to spend time with family and friends and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
- Competitive fairness: In areas where some dealerships are closed on Sundays, it may be considered unfair for others to remain open, as it could provide a competitive advantage.
What States Don’t Allow Car Sales on Sunday?
As of our knowledge cutoff date in September 2021; 13 states have specific laws prohibiting car dealerships from operating on Sundays. These states are:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
In some states, such as Michigan and Illinois, the law prohibits car sales on Saturdays and Sundays. However, it’s important to note that laws and regulations can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify the current rules in your state before planning your car shopping trip.
Complete list of States and Sunday Trading Laws
| State | Car Dealerships Open on Sundays |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| California | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Florida | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Hawaii | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes |
| Illinois | No |
| Indiana | No |
| Iowa | No |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | No |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | No |
| Minnesota | No |
| Mississippi | Yes |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | No |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | Yes |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | No |
| Minnesota | No |
| Mississippi | Yes |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | No |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | Yes |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
Conclusion
While some states in the USA still uphold laws that prevent car dealerships from operating on Sundays, others have no such restrictions. If you’re planning to visit a dealership on a Sunday, it’s a good idea to check the local laws and regulations in your area, or call ahead to the dealership to confirm their hours of operation. In general, the trend towards loosening restrictions on Sunday business hours has been growing, so it’s possible that we may see more dealerships opening their doors on Sundays in the future.
