Are Car Dealerships Open on Sunday in Texas?

When it comes to buying a car, your schedule might not always align with traditional business hours. Many people find themselves with time on the weekends, and Sunday seems like the perfect day to visit a dealership. However, in Texas, you may run into a roadblock — literally. The state has unique laws that affect whether car dealerships can open their doors on Sundays. Let’s break down why that is and what you need to know.

Why Aren’t Car Dealerships Open on Sunday in Texas?

Texas has what are known as “blue laws,” which are regulations that prohibit certain activities on specific days, typically for religious reasons or to encourage a day of rest. While most blue laws in Texas were repealed in 1985, a few industries were left untouched, and car dealerships are one of them. Under the Texas Occupations Code, car dealerships are required to close for one day on the weekend—either Saturday or Sunday.

The majority of dealerships choose to close on Sundays. While it might seem unusual, the reasoning behind this law is that it gives dealership employees a guaranteed day off and maintains a balance in the car-selling industry.

Can Any Dealership Be Open on Sundays?

The law requires dealerships to choose one day on the weekend to close, but they have the option of picking either Saturday or Sunday. However, most dealerships across Texas opt to close on Sundays for several reasons:

1. Tradition: Car dealerships have historically been closed on Sundays due to religious and cultural norms.
2. Work-life balance: The law helps give employees a day off without conflicting with the demands of weekend shoppers.
3. Uniformity: If most dealerships choose to close on Sundays, it’s more beneficial for them to align their operations with competitors.

That said, there may be some exceptions, especially for dealerships that sell other types of vehicles like motorcycles or RVs. Always check with your local dealership to confirm their hours.

What If You Want to Shop for a Car on Sunday?

While most car dealerships in Texas won’t be open on Sundays, that doesn’t mean your car-buying process has to come to a halt. Thanks to modern technology, you can still do a significant amount of research and car shopping online:

1. Browse Inventory: Many dealerships have detailed websites that allow you to browse their inventory, compare models, and even apply filters to find the car you want.
2. Apply for Financing: Some dealerships allow you to start the financing process online. By submitting your application ahead of time, you can save yourself a lot of time when you do visit the dealership.
3. Schedule an Appointment: You can also schedule test drives or appointments for weekdays or Saturdays, ensuring that the car you want to see is available when you visit.

What to Do If You Need Help on a Sunday?

While the dealership may not be open for a purchase or trade, you can still access other resources. Many service departments remain open, and you can schedule maintenance, order parts, or speak with a service advisor. If you’re having car trouble on a Sunday, many dealerships have emergency numbers or can refer you to a local mechanic.

Final Thoughts

To simplify things, If you’re looking to visit a car dealership in Texas on a Sunday, you’re likely out of luck. Texas’ blue laws ensure that most dealerships remain closed on Sundays. However, with online shopping options, you can still do much of the groundwork needed for buying a car. For the hands-on experience, though, plan your dealership visits for weekdays or Saturdays. This day off gives employees a rest and ensures that when the dealership is open, they can fully assist you.