Yes, you can technically initiate the process of buying a car on a Sunday in Ohio, but you cannot legally complete the sale and drive the car off the lot that same day. Ohio's "Blue Laws" specifically prohibit auto dealers from processing sales and transferring titles on Sundays. The core of the restriction lies in the inability to access the necessary government systems to make the sale official.
However, dealerships are often open on Sundays for browsing, test drives, and negotiations. You can spend the day finding the perfect vehicle, agreeing on a price, and even filling out a credit application. The actual paperwork completion, financing finalization, and title transfer must wait until the next business day when the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) systems are accessible to dealers.
There is a notable exception. Ohio law allows Sunday sales if the Sunday falls on or immediately after a federal holiday observed on a Monday, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Columbus Day. On these specific Sundays, dealerships can operate fully and complete transactions.
| Holiday Weekend (Monday Holiday) | Sunday Sales Permitted? |
|---|
| Memorial Day Weekend | Yes |
| Labor Day Weekend | Yes |
| Columbus Day Weekend | Yes |
| Independence Day (if July 4th is a Monday) | Yes |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend | Yes |
| Presidents Day Weekend | Yes |
| New Year's Day (if Jan 1st is a Monday) | Yes |
| A typical Sunday with no following holiday | No |
Your best strategy is to use Sunday for research and test drives without the pressure of a rushed sale. This can lead to a more informed decision. Always call the dealership ahead of time to confirm their Sunday hours and policies, as some smaller dealers may choose to remain completely closed.
