Are Car Dealerships Open on Sundays?

Yes, car dealerships are open on Sundays depending on the state in which you reside. 

Car dealership hours can vary depending on the specific dealership and local regulations. Traditionally, many car dealerships were closed on Sundays. However, in recent years, there has been a shift, and some dealerships now choose to remain open on Sundays to accommodate customers' schedules and increase sales opportunities.

The decision to open on Sundays is ultimately up to each dealership and can depend on factors such as local laws, competition, and market demand. It's also worth noting that dealership hours may vary by location, so it is a good idea to check the operating hours of a specific dealership in your area before planning a visit. It's recommended to contact the dealership you are interested in visiting directly or check their website to verify their hours of operation to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Blue laws

So why is it the case that some states allow sales on Sundays and others do not? This is due to blue laws. Blue laws enforce restrictions or prohibitions on certain activities on Sundays or specific religious holidays. These laws have historically been associated with religious observance and were meant to promote rest, religious observance, and family time. The term "blue laws" originated from the blue paper on which these laws were printed in the late 18th century and early 19th century.

Most blue laws have been dramatically relaxed, but some still hold on to the laws restricting car dealerships from selling cars on Sundays. Blue laws can vary in scope and application depending on the jurisdiction. Some common examples of activities that blue laws historically regulated or prohibited on Sundays include:

• Retail sales restrictions - Blue laws often restrict or prohibit the sale of certain goods on Sundays, particularly alcohol, automobiles, and large appliances. This aimed to encourage rest and discourage excessive commercial activities on Sundays.
• Business and activity restrictions - Blue laws may limit or restrict certain business operations or activities on Sundays, such as restricting the hours during which businesses can operate or prohibiting certain types of entertainment or sporting events.
• Work and labor restrictions - Some blue laws have included restrictions on work and labor activities on Sundays, such as limiting the types of work that can be performed or requiring employers to provide a day of rest for their employees.

The enforcement of blue laws has changed over time, and many jurisdictions have repealed or significantly relaxed them. In many places, the restrictions have been gradually lifted due to evolving societal norms and the separation of church and state. 

The following is a list of states that do not allow car sales on Sundays due to blue laws:

1. Colorado
2. Indiana
3. Illinois
4. Iowa
5. Louisiana
6. Maine
7. Minnesota
8. Mississippi
9. Missouri
10. New Jersey
11. Oklahoma
12. Pennsylvania
13. Wisconsin

Other states that do not participate in blue laws, but restrict the hours or sales permitted in certain counties include:

1. Maryland
2. Michigan
3. Nevada
4. North Carolina
5. Rhode Island
6. Texas
7. Utah

Other than blue laws, what are other reasons some car dealerships are closed on Sundays? Here are some reasons. 

• Tradition - Many car dealerships have traditionally followed the practice of being closed on Sundays. This tradition may be rooted in historical reasons or cultural norms.
• Employee rest and work-life balance - Closing on Sundays allows dealership employees to have a designated day off for rest and spending time with family or engaging in personal activities. It can help promote work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Cost considerations - Operating a dealership requires significant overhead costs, including employee wages, utilities, and facility expenses. Closing on Sundays may help reduce these costs, especially if there is lower customer demand or foot traffic on Sundays compared to other days of the week.
• Market factors - Depending on the local market conditions and customer preferences, some dealerships may find it more beneficial to be closed on Sundays. They may analyze data on customer traffic, sales patterns, and consumer behavior to figure out the most efficient use of resources.
• Other entities - Other entities that are involved in the sales or closure of a car sale are closed on Sundays. These include insurance companies and the state, local, and county offices that carry out tasks such as transferring titles or vehicle registration.

The opening hours of car dealerships can vary depending on the specific dealership and location. However, in many cases, car dealerships tend to open during regular business hours. As a general guideline, car dealerships often open between 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning until about 7:00 or 8:00 at night. 

If you are having difficulty getting to a car dealership in person, and a Sunday is not an option for you, turn to online car buying platforms. When you utilize sites such as CarMax, you do not encounter any restrictions as far as it being opened or closed, and can purchase a car seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  

An even easier option is to look into a FINN car subscription. With a car subscription, you can choose the car of your choice any day of the week and get approved online in minutes. The car will be delivered directly to your door. Not only do you have the convenience of getting the car, but the monthly fee is all-inclusive and includes insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance — all you need to pay for is gas. Terms are 6 - 12 months, which allows you the flexibility to choose a new vehicle instead of being tied down to a long lease.