No, you cannot buy a new car from a licensed dealership on a Sunday in Pennsylvania. This is due to a state-specific regulation known as a Blue Law. However, you can complete many other steps in the car-buying process on a Sunday, and there is a notable exception for used vehicles.
The law in question is the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which prohibits the sale of new motor vehicles on Sundays. The primary intent behind this century-old law was to enforce a day of rest. While you can't sign the final sales contract and take delivery of a new car, dealerships are often open for browsing. This means you can visit a dealership on Sunday to look at inventory, sit in cars, and even discuss financing options or start negotiations—you just can't finalize the purchase until after midnight.
The key exception involves used car dealerships. These establishments are not bound by the same restriction and are legally permitted to sell and deliver used cars on Sundays. This creates a unique market dynamic where Sunday can be an ideal day for focused used car shopping without the distraction of new car sales.
If you're set on buying new, your Sunday is best spent doing research. You can compare models, check online inventory, and get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union. Then, you can return on a weekday, well-prepared to make a deal quickly.
Here’s a quick comparison of car sales laws in Pennsylvania and neighboring states:
| State | New Car Sales on Sunday Allowed? | Used Car Sales on Sunday Allowed? | Notes |
|---|
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | A specific Blue Law prohibits new vehicle sales. |
| New York | Yes | Yes | No statewide restrictions. |
| New Jersey | No | No | Has its own Blue Laws prohibiting most vehicle sales. |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | No restrictions, but some local ordinances may apply. |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | Repealed its Blue Laws in the 1980s. |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | No restrictions on Sunday sales. |
