Why you can’t buy a car on Sunday in New Jersey: Blue Laws keep dealerships closed
TRENTON, NJ — If you’re looking to buy a car on a Sunday in New Jersey, you’re out of luck — and it’s not a coincidence. A state law rooted in colonial-era “Blue Laws” prohibits car dealerships from conducting business on Sundays.
Under current New Jersey law, dealerships must remain closed one day a week, and nearly all choose Sunday. The legislation is a remnant of religious-based regulations designed to promote church attendance and limit commercial activity on Sundays.
The term “Blue Laws” dates back to the colonial period and historically referred to restrictions placed on certain businesses during church hours. While many states have rolled back such rules, New Jersey’s auto sales ban remains intact.
Blue Laws still affect retail in Bergen County
Car dealerships aren’t the only businesses restricted under Blue Laws. In Bergen County, one of the last strongholds of such legislation, nearly all retail stores — including malls and department stores — are required to close on Sundays. The rule has faced legal challenges and legislative attempts at repeal over the years, but it has remained in place.
Despite the inconvenience to Sunday shoppers, many car dealership owners and employees support the law. They cite reduced operational costs and low Sunday sales figures in other states as reasons to keep the ban. Employees also benefit from a guaranteed day off each week.
“Owners, management, and employees [are] seemingly all on board with New Jersey’s Blue Laws,” the industry has noted.
Efforts by lawmakers to repeal or modify the ban on Sunday auto sales have been introduced several times but have failed to gain traction in the State Legislature.
Key Points
- New Jersey law bans car dealerships from operating on Sundays due to historic Blue Laws.
- The rule is seen as beneficial by most dealers for reducing costs and ensuring employees get time off.
- Attempts to repeal the law have been made but have not advanced in the legislature.