can you buy a car on sunday in nj

[StAustin]

Yes, you can generally buy a car on a Sunday in New Jersey, but you cannot legally drive it off the lot the same day. This is due to a specific state law that prohibits the finalization of certain vehicle sales transactions on Sundays. While dealerships are allowed to be open for browsing, negotiating, and even signing paperwork, they cannot process the titling and registration with the state's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on a Sunday, as those government offices are closed.

The core of the issue is New Jersey's "Blue Laws," specifically N.J.S.A. 56:6-2. This law restricts the sale of certain items, including motor vehicles, on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays. In practice, this means a dealership can choose to be open on either Saturday or Sunday, but not both days in the same weekend. Most opt for Saturday, making Sunday closures common. However, some dealerships, especially larger auto groups or those in high-traffic areas, may choose to be open on Sunday instead.

Here’s a practical breakdown of what you can and cannot do on a Sunday at a NJ dealership:

Activity	Is it Possible on a Sunday?	Notes
Visit a dealership	Yes, if open	You must call ahead or check online, as hours vary.
Test drive a car	Yes	Sales staff can facilitate test drives.
Negotiate a price	Yes	You can agree on a final sale price.
Sign a sales contract	Yes, but...	The contract will be contingent on Monday processing.
Secure financing	Yes	The dealership can get credit approvals.
Take immediate delivery	No	The car cannot be legally registered and plated on Sunday.

The most common process is to complete all the steps on Sunday and schedule a time on Monday to pick up the car once the MVC paperwork is finalized. To avoid disappointment, always call the specific dealership to confirm their Sunday hours and sales policy before you visit.

[DeFinn]

You can go to a dealership on Sunday, but you're not driving home. It's a weird NJ law. I learned this the hard way. I spent all Sunday afternoon picking out my car, got a great deal, and signed everything. Then they said, "See you Monday for the plates." It's a bit of a buzzkill, but you can get all the hard work done. Just plan for a two-day process if you go on a weekend.

[NovaDella]

Legally, the sale can't be finalized on a Sunday because the state MVC offices are closed. The dealership can't issue your temporary registration or plates without state system access. So, while you can shake hands on a deal, the actual transfer of ownership and your ability to drive away legally must wait until a business day. It's a logistical hurdle, not a complete barrier to shopping.

[DiLogan]

Think of Sunday as a strategic advantage. With no pressure to rush you through for an immediate delivery, the sales environment is often more relaxed. You can take your time with test drives, pore over the numbers, and negotiate without feeling rushed. It’s a great day for research and making a decision in a low-pressure setting. You can lock in your deal and just handle the paperwork pickup on Monday.

[EliasDella]

From a sales perspective, we're happy to work with you on a Sunday. We can handle everything except for the state's part of the transaction. We can even have your car cleaned, gassed up, and waiting for you first thing Monday morning. My advice is to use online tools on Sunday. You can get pre-qualified for financing through the dealership's website or use sites like TrueCar to research fair prices, so you're fully prepared when you walk in.