
Yes, you can buy a car on a Sunday in many parts of the United States, but it is not universally allowed. The ability to purchase a vehicle depends entirely on your state's and even your specific city's "blue laws," which are regulations restricting certain commercial activities on Sundays. While these laws have been repealed or relaxed in many states, some still prohibit or restrict car dealerships from operating.
The most reliable approach is to always call the dealership ahead of time or check their website for Sunday hours. Even in states where it's legal, individual dealerships may choose to remain closed. If you're set on a Sunday purchase, your best bet is to start the process online. Most dealership websites allow you to browse inventory, get a preliminary financing quote, and even initiate a trade-in appraisal 24/7. This can make a potential Sunday visit much more efficient, focusing only on the test drive and final paperwork.
For a quick reference, here is a sample of state regulations regarding Sunday car sales:
| State | Sunday Car Sales Status | Common Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Allowed | No statewide restrictions; widely practiced. |
| California | Allowed | No statewide restrictions; common in metro areas. |
| Illinois | Allowed | No restrictions; dealership discretion applies. |
| New York | Allowed in most areas | Local county or city laws may still prohibit it. |
| Colorado | Allowed | No restrictions; Sunday hours are typical. |
| Pennsylvania | Restricted/Prohibited | State law largely prohibits the sale of cars on Sunday. |
| Indiana | Restricted/Prohibited | State law prohibits automotive dealers from operating on Sunday. |
| Oklahoma | Restricted | Some cities may have local ordinances against it. |
If you discover that Sunday sales are prohibited in your area, consider using that day for online research. You can compare models, read reviews, and use online tools to estimate your budget, making you a well-informed and ready buyer for when dealerships open on Monday.

Where I live, yeah, the dealerships are open on Sunday. It's actually the day I'd recommend for just going to look at cars without the high-pressure sales vibe you get on a Saturday. The lots are open, but the finance guys might not be in, so you can test drive in peace. Just don't expect to drive off the lot that same day if you need to finalize a loan. Always check their hours online first.

It depends on your state law. In my state, it's actually illegal for dealerships to sell cars on Sunday. They can't even be open for business. I found this out the hard way when I drove to a dealership only to find it completely gated up. It's a real inconvenience. Your best bet is to do a quick online search for "[Your State] Sunday car sales law" before you make any plans. It'll save you a trip.


