Most dealerships are closed on Sunday, but hours vary widely by location and dealership type
Whether a car dealership is open on Sunday depends on the state you're in, the dealership's owner, and sometimes the specific franchise agreement they have with a manufacturer. There is no national rule. Some states restrict Sunday car sales by law. Others allow it but many dealerships choose to stay closed anyway. A handful of dealerships do open on Sunday, usually from late morning through early evening, but this is less common than Monday through Saturday hours.
The fastest way to know if a specific dealership is open Sunday is to call them directly or check their website — most post their full weekly hours online. If you're shopping on a Sunday and need to visit a dealership, you may find that independent used-car lots are more likely to be open than franchised new-car dealerships.
Key Takeaways
- Most new-car dealerships are closed on Sunday, even in states where Sunday sales are legal.
- Some states have laws that restrict or prohibit car sales on Sunday, so check your state's rules before planning a visit.
- Independent used-car dealerships are more likely to have Sunday hours than franchised new-car dealerships.
- Calling ahead or checking the dealership's website is the only reliable way to confirm Sunday hours for a specific location.
- Many dealerships now offer online scheduling and virtual showrooms, so you may not need to visit in person on any particular day.
States with Sunday car sales restrictions
Several states have laws that limit or ban car sales on Sunday. These laws vary in how strict they are. Some states prohibit all vehicle sales on Sunday. Others allow sales but require dealerships to close during certain hours, or they restrict sales to certain types of vehicles or dealerships.
States with some form of Sunday sales restriction include Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia. The specific rules differ — for example, some allow private sales but not dealership sales, or they permit sales after a certain time in the afternoon. If you live in or are traveling to one of these states, contact your state's motor vehicle department or the dealership directly to confirm what's allowed.
Even in states where Sunday sales are legal, many dealerships choose not to open on Sunday for business reasons, staffing costs, or company policy. Legal permission does not mean a dealership will be open.
Why most dealerships stay closed on Sunday
Dealerships that could legally open on Sunday often choose not to. The main reasons are labor costs, low customer traffic on Sunday compared to Saturday, and the fact that most customers expect dealerships to be closed. Staffing a full dealership — sales staff, service department, finance office, and management — for a single day costs more than many dealerships earn on that day.
Franchised new-car dealerships also follow manufacturer guidelines and franchise agreements, which sometimes discourage or prohibit Sunday hours. Independent used-car lots have more flexibility and are more likely to open on Sunday if the owner believes it will bring in sales.
Which dealerships are more likely to be open on Sunday
Independent used-car dealerships are your best bet for finding Sunday hours. Many operate seven days a week, especially in urban areas or regions with high car-buying traffic. Some larger used-car chains and buy-here-pay-here dealerships also keep Sunday hours.
Franchised new-car dealerships — the ones that sell Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and other brands — rarely open on Sunday. If you're shopping for a new car, you'll almost certainly need to visit Monday through Saturday. Some luxury dealerships and high-end used-car dealers may open on Sunday by appointment, but this is uncommon.
Online inventory and virtual showrooms mean you can browse and research vehicles on Sunday even if the physical dealership is closed. Many dealerships let you schedule a test drive or sales appointment online for a weekday, which can be faster than showing up in person.
How to find dealership hours before you visit
The dealership's website is usually the fastest source. Most dealerships list their full hours on the homepage or in a "Contact Us" section. Google Maps also shows dealership hours if the business is listed there — search the dealership name and you'll see hours, phone number, and customer reviews in one place.
Calling ahead is still the most reliable method, especially if you're planning a long drive or want to confirm that a specific salesperson or service department will be available. Many dealerships have a main phone line that routes you to sales, service, or the general office. Ask specifically about Sunday hours and whether you need an appointment.
If you're shopping for a specific vehicle, some dealerships let you reserve it online or request a callback. This can save you a trip if the dealership doesn't have what you're looking for in stock.
Planning your dealership visit on other days
If Sunday doesn't work for you and you need to visit a dealership, weekday mornings are often quieter than Saturday afternoons. You'll spend less time waiting and may get more attention from sales staff. Many dealerships also offer extended hours on weeknights — staying open until 8 or 9 p.m. — which can work better than a weekend visit if you have a work schedule.
Saturday is the busiest day at most dealerships, so expect crowds and longer waits. If you go on Saturday, arriving early (right when they open) or later in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.) can mean shorter lines.
Some dealerships now offer home delivery, video consultations, and paperless buying, which means you may be able to complete most of the process without visiting the lot at all. Ask whether these options are available when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a car on Sunday if the dealership is open?
Yes, if the dealership is open and your state allows Sunday sales. However, you may not be able to complete all paperwork on Sunday — some states require certain documents to be filed on business days, or the finance office may be closed. Call ahead to confirm what services are available on Sunday.
Are used-car dealerships open on Sunday more often than new-car dealerships?
Yes, generally. Independent used-car lots are more likely to have Sunday hours because they have fewer franchise restrictions and lower overhead. New-car dealerships rarely open on Sunday, even in states where it's legal.
What if I need to visit a dealership on Sunday and none are open near me?
Check whether the dealership offers online scheduling, virtual showrooms, or phone consultations. Many dealerships can answer questions, check inventory, and schedule test drives over the phone or through their website, so you can plan your visit for a weekday when they're open.
Do dealership hours change seasonally?
Some dealerships adjust hours seasonally, especially in regions with harsh winters. Check the dealership's website or call to confirm current hours, as they may differ from what you see in an online listing.
Can I test drive a car on Sunday if the dealership is closed?
Not at a closed dealership. Some dealerships offer Sunday test drives by appointment even if they're not normally open, but this is rare. Your best option is to call and ask whether they can arrange a test drive on a different day or offer a virtual tour online.