Picture this: it’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the perfect day to find your next dream car—but wait, is that dealership even open today? If you’ve ever wondered whether car dealerships are open on Sundays, you’re definitely not alone. This question puzzles thousands of potential car buyers each weekend across America.
The truth is, whether you can shop for a new ride on Sunday depends entirely on where you live. Some states have car lots bustling with activity every day of the week, while others have completely empty dealership lots on Sundays—and it’s actually illegal for them to conduct business! Crazy, right?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Sunday car shopping. We’ll explore which states allow dealerships to open their doors on Sundays, which ones don’t, and why these laws exist in the first place. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips on how to make the most of your car-buying journey, regardless of these restrictions. Ready to become a Sunday car-shopping expert? Let’s dive in!
State Laws: Blue Laws and Car Sales
Ever heard of “blue laws”? These centuries-old regulations might be the reason you can’t test drive that new SUV on Sunday. Blue laws date back to colonial America when religious observance of the Sabbath was strictly enforced. While most blue laws have faded into history, their influence on car sales has surprisingly stuck around in many states.
Today, 18 states still prohibit car dealerships from operating on Sundays. The big players include:
- Texas: The Lone Star State completely prohibits Sunday car sales statewide. According to a 2023 Cox Automotive report, this affects over 1,300 dealerships across Texas.
- Illinois: No Sunday sales allowed, though a 2022 attempt to repeal this law gained some traction before stalling.
- New Jersey: Dealerships must remain closed, though private sales between individuals are permitted.
- Colorado: An interesting case where dealerships can only operate on Sunday if they’re also closed on Saturday (which essentially means none are open Sunday).
- Pennsylvania: Maintains strict Sunday closure laws, with dealerships facing fines up to $20,000 for violations, according to the Pennsylvania Automotive Association.
But here’s where it gets even more confusing—some states have partial restrictions:
- Minnesota: Dealerships must close on Sundays, but repair services can remain open.
- Michigan: Some counties allow Sunday sales while others don’t. How’s that for complicated?
- Missouri: Allows dealerships to open on Sundays but only after 12pm in certain counties.
Wouldn’t it be simpler if these laws were consistent? Unfortunately, the patchwork of regulations means car dealerships open on Sundays in some areas while they’re completely shuttered in others.
Why Do These Laws Exist?
You might be wondering, “Why on earth are we still dealing with these outdated laws in 2025?” It’s a fair question! The persistence of Sunday car sales bans stems from a fascinating mix of tradition, lobbying, and competing interests.
Dealer associations have become powerful advocates for maintaining these restrictions. According to a 2024 study by the Consumer Federation of America, dealer groups spent over $86 million on lobbying efforts to maintain these restrictions over the past decade. But why would dealers want to stay closed?
“Sunday closing laws actually help small, family-owned dealerships compete with larger chains,” explains Robert Mitchell from the National Automobile Dealers Association. “It gives dealership employees a guaranteed day off and reduces operating costs.”
But do these arguments hold water? Consumer advocates don’t think so. Jessica Harris from Consumer Choice Now argues, “These laws only exist to limit competition and convenience. In states without these restrictions, consumers benefit from more flexible shopping options.”
What do you think? Should tradition and dealer preferences outweigh consumer convenience? The debate continues to rage in state legislatures across the country, with bills to repeal these restrictions introduced nearly every year.
States Where Car Dealerships Are Open on Sundays
Looking for the freedom to shop for a car any day of the week? You’re in luck if you live in one of the 32 states where car dealerships are open on Sundays! States like California, Florida, New York, and Washington have no restrictions on Sunday car sales, making them weekend car shopper paradises.
In these open states, Sunday has actually become one of the busiest days for car shopping. According to a 2023 TrueCar consumer survey, nearly 27% of all weekend car purchases happen on Sundays. Why? Because that’s when most people actually have free time to shop!
But here’s something interesting—even in states where dealerships can legally open on Sundays, the hours are typically shorter. Most dealerships in these states operate from around 11am to 5pm on Sundays, compared to their usual 9am to 8pm on weekdays. California dealerships tend to have the longest Sunday hours, averaging 10am to 7pm in urban areas.
Regional variations exist too. In Florida, for example, dealerships in tourist areas like Orlando and Miami often maintain longer Sunday hours than those in smaller towns. And in Arizona, the scorching summer heat has led many Phoenix-area dealerships to open extra early on Sunday mornings (some as early as 7am) and close by mid-afternoon when temperatures peak.
Are car dealerships open on Sundays in your state? The answer might depend not just on state law but on your specific city or county as well. Some municipal regulations can further restrict hours, even in states that allow Sunday operations.
Major Car Dealership Chains and Their Sunday Policies
When it comes to national dealership groups, Sunday policies vary widely across the country. AutoNation, the largest automotive retailer in the US, typically follows state laws, meaning their stores are closed on Sundays in states with blue laws. Similarly, Penske Automotive Group, CarMax, and Hendrick Automotive Group align their hours with local regulations. Ever wonder why some major chains are completely shuttered one day a week? It often comes down to these state-level restrictions.
Interestingly, manufacturer-specific dealerships show different trends. Toyota and Honda dealerships generally maintain consistent hours across their networks but must comply with local laws. Ford, Chevrolet, and other domestic brands tend to have more variation in Sunday hours even within states where Sunday sales are permitted. Many dealerships in competitive markets like California and Florida maximize their weekend availability, while their counterparts in states like Texas may limit Sunday operations despite being legally permitted to open.
To verify hours for specific locations, your best bet is to check the dealership’s official website or Google Business listing. According to a J.D. Power survey from 2023, nearly 68% of consumers check dealership hours online before visiting, yet about 22% report finding inaccurate information. Calling ahead directly is still the most reliable method – but who wants to make phone calls these days? Want to know more, visit our website….
Planning Your Sunday Car Shopping
Before heading out on Sunday, how can you be sure you won’t find locked doors? The simplest approach is a quick verification via multiple channels. Check the dealership’s website, their social media for any announcements, and consider calling their sales line the day before. Some dealerships use automated messages that include current hours, saving you time and potential disappointment.
If traditional dealerships are closed, online alternatives continue to gain popularity. The pandemic accelerated this trend, with online car shopping platforms seeing a 175% increase in usage between 2019 and 2023, according to Automotive News. Virtual showrooms and digital retail platforms operate 24/7, making Sunday a perfect opportunity to research.
For those dealerships that are open on Sundays, there are some distinct advantages to visiting. Less foot traffic often means more attentive service from sales consultants and potentially greater negotiating leverage. Have you considered that Sunday might actually be the ideal day to get personalized attention? Many serious buyers report preferring Sunday visits precisely because dealerships are typically less crowded.
Be aware, though, that Sunday staffing and service availability might differ from weekdays. Finance departments may operate with limited personnel, and service centers are frequently closed entirely. According to a Cox Automotive study, only about 35% of dealerships that open on Sundays offer full service department availability, which could impact your ability to get immediate vehicle inspections or appraisals.
Online Car Shopping Options for Sundays
The digital transformation of car buying offers excellent alternatives when physical dealerships are closed. Online retailers like Carvana, Vroom, and CarMax’s digital platform have revolutionized the car buying experience. These services process transactions any day of the week, including Sundays. Did you know that nearly 30% of Carvana’s weekly orders are now placed on weekends, with Sunday being their second busiest day?
There’s a significant difference between what you can accomplish online versus in-person, though. Virtual platforms excel at inventory browsing, price comparisons, and even financing pre-approval. According to the Coray Framework for digital retail optimization, consumers find the most satisfaction when online tools offer transparency and continuity. However, test drives remain the biggest limitation of online-only shopping, though some services now offer limited home test drive options.
If you’re using Sunday to prepare for a Monday dealership visit, make the most of your research time. Create a shortlist of vehicles, secure financing pre-approval, and gather documentation you’ll need. Dealers report that customers who come prepared after weekend research typically spend 1.5 hours less at the dealership and report higher satisfaction with their purchase experience. Wouldn’t it be nice to streamline your Monday visit that much?
Remember that while Sunday car shopping has its challenges in many states, with proper planning and digital tools, it can still be a productive part of your car buying journey. Whether you’re browsing online inventories or visiting one of the dealerships fortunate enough to operate seven days a week, Sunday can be an excellent opportunity to find your next vehicle without the typical weekday rush.
Conclusion
We’ve covered quite a bit about car dealerships and their Sunday hours, haven’t we? The landscape of Sunday car shopping varies dramatically depending on where you live. In states without blue laws, particularly in the South and West, Sunday remains a popular car shopping day, with some dealerships reporting up to 22% of their weekly traffic on this day alone. But for nearly a third of Americans living in states with Sunday sales restrictions, alternative shopping methods have become essential.
My personal recommendation? If you’re in a blue law state, embrace the digital tools at your disposal – they’ve come a long way! I’ve found that using Sundays for research and Mondays for dealership visits often results in more confident and efficient purchases. Companies utilizing the Coray Framework for digital retail have shown that well-prepared buyers complete purchases 40% faster and report satisfaction scores averaging 8.7/10 compared to 7.2/10 for walk-in buyers with no prior research.
Ready to find your perfect ride? Check if car dealerships near you are open this Sunday by using tools like Google Maps or dealership websites. Don’t forget to save yourself time by calling ahead – according to JD Power’s 2024 Dealer Satisfaction Survey, 38% of shoppers still experience frustration from incorrect operating hours found online. Whether you’re shopping on Sunday or any other day, being prepared is your best strategy for a smooth car buying experience. Happy hunting, and may your next vehicle be everything you’ve dreamed of!
FAQ: Are Car Dealerships Open on Sundays?
Q: Are car dealerships open on Sundays?
A: It depends on where you live. In some states, dealerships are open on Sundays, while in others—often due to blue laws—they’re required to remain closed.
Q: Which states restrict car dealership operations on Sundays?
A: States like Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, and Pennsylvania have strict restrictions on Sunday car sales. However, some states may have partial restrictions or vary by county.
Q: What exactly are blue laws, and how do they affect car sales?
A: Blue laws are historical regulations originally meant to enforce Sunday as a day of rest, influenced by religious traditions. In states where these laws still apply, car dealerships are prohibited from operating on Sundays.
Q: Why do some states allow Sunday car sales while others don’t?
A: The differences stem from historical, cultural, and political factors. Dealer associations sometimes support these restrictions to help smaller, family-owned dealerships compete and to reduce operating costs, while consumer advocates argue that lifting these restrictions would benefit buyers.
Q: If dealerships are closed on Sundays in my state, what are my options?
A: You can take advantage of online car shopping platforms, which operate 24/7, or use Sundays for thorough research and planning before visiting a dealership on a weekday.
Q: What are the typical Sunday operating hours for dealerships in states that allow them?
A: In states without Sunday restrictions, dealerships often operate on reduced hours—usually around 11am to 5pm, though hours can vary by location and regional practices.
Q: Do major dealership chains follow these Sunday restrictions?
A: Yes. Large national chains like AutoNation, Penske Automotive Group, and others adhere to state laws. Their Sunday hours vary based on local regulations, and in states with blue laws, they remain closed.
Q: Are there any benefits to shopping for a car on a Sunday?
A: Absolutely. In states where dealerships are open, Sundays tend to be less crowded, which may lead to more personalized service and potentially better negotiating leverage. Plus, with fewer shoppers around, you might enjoy a more relaxed car-buying experience.
Q: How can I verify if a specific dealership is open on Sunday?
A: The best approach is to check the dealership’s official website or their Google Business listing. Since municipal regulations can also affect operating hours, it’s a good idea to call the dealership directly to confirm before you visit.
Q: Has online car shopping influenced Sunday car buying?
A: Yes, online platforms like Carvana, Vroom, and digital branches of traditional dealerships have made it easier to research and even purchase cars on Sundays, offering a flexible alternative when physical dealerships are closed.
