Under a recent measure sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Hamilton), an antiquated law that criminalizes selling motor vehicles on Sundays would be lifted to pave the way for car dealerships to open seven days per week. The measure would permit car dealerships to open on Sundays to sell motor vehicles in New Jersey except in counties, such as Bergen County, with existing “blue laws.”

“The cars sold today could never have been imagined 80 years ago, yet we are still limiting dealership sales days to a standard set by a 1937 law. It’s time to update the law and open the doors to car dealerships on Sundays,” DeAngelo stated.

According to a law written in 1937, it is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to a $100 fine and 10 days in prison for the first offense of selling a motor vehicle on Sunday. A law passed in 2011 permitting motorcycle sales in New Jersey.

“The law making it a crime to sell motor vehicles dates back to a time and place when society was very different and most communities were dormant on Sundays. The reality is that Sundays are oftentimes the only day of the week when families can go out together to stop into a showroom or test drive a car. Opening car dealerships on Sunday make them more accessible for customers,” said DeAngelo.

There are only 12 other states in the country that prohibit the sale of motor vehicles on Sundays. Neighboring states of New York and Delaware permit Sunday sales.

“By providing an additional day for consumers to buy cars, there could be an added financial benefit for the state through sales and other tax revenue associated with car sales. We cannot be risking the potential of losing these sales to our neighbors to the north or south,” said DeAngelo. “Each dealership would have the choice to open on Sundays or remain closed since the legislation gives dealerships the option of making a decision best for their individual business and customer base.”

The bill was introduced in the General Assembly on June 24, 2013 and has been referenced to the Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee for consideration.

DeAngelo represents the 14th Legislative District which consists of parts of Mercer and Middlesex counties. [TLS]