Are Car Dealerships Open on Sundays in Wisconsin?

Wondering if car dealerships open on Sundays in Wisconsin? You might be disappointed if you’re in Wisconsin and planning to shop for a car on a Sunday. Wisconsin, like a few other states, has specific laws prohibiting car dealerships from conducting business on Sundays. This restriction might seem unusual, but it stems from a long history of regulations aimed at supporting worker rest and encouraging a healthier work-life balance. So, if you’re set on visiting a dealership, here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Car Dealerships Closed on Sundays?

Wisconsin’s “blue laws” prohibit the sale of motor vehicles on Sundays. These laws date back to an era when many businesses were required to close on Sundays for religious or societal reasons, giving workers a guaranteed day off.

While most industries have moved away from such strict rules, car dealerships in certain states, including Wisconsin, are still subject to these restrictions. The law, Wisconsin Statute 218.01, explicitly states that no dealer may engage in motor vehicle sales on Sundays.

The purpose behind this law is not only to give dealership employees a mandatory day of rest but also to reduce the pressure on other dealerships to remain open. Without competition on Sundays, dealerships don’t feel the need to stretch their resources, giving employees a day off to spend with family or recharge.

Are There Exceptions to the Law?

Unfortunately, there are no major exceptions to this rule for new or used car dealerships in Wisconsin. Whether you’re eyeing a new vehicle or planning to check out some used options, dealerships across the state must adhere to the Sunday closure law.

However, you might be able to browse online inventory or schedule a future test drive, but don’t expect to finalize any transactions until Monday.

That said, service departments at some dealerships may remain open. Many dealerships offer repairs, maintenance, and part sales on Sundays, as these services are not restricted by the same law. If you’re in need of routine service, it’s worth calling ahead to see if the dealership’s service department is operating.

The Impact on Car Buyers

For many potential buyers, Sunday is often the most convenient day to shop for cars, as it’s a day when people have more free time. The closure of dealerships on this day can be frustrating, particularly if you work throughout the week and may only have the weekend to visit showrooms.

However, this isn’t just a Wisconsin-specific issue — other states like Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have similar laws, so it’s a wider trend than one might initially think. If you’re set on using your Sunday for car shopping, you can still prepare for a visit by researching online.

Most dealerships have up-to-date websites where you can explore their current inventory, check prices, and even get pre-approved for financing. This allows you to hit the ground running when you visit in person during the week.

Why the Law Remains in Place

Despite changes in modern business practices, the Sunday car sales ban remains in place in Wisconsin. The law hasn’t faced strong challenges or been repealed because many dealership owners and employees support the mandatory day off. It’s seen as beneficial for maintaining a balanced work environment, preventing burnout, and reducing overhead costs by having a guaranteed day when no sales can occur.

Additionally, the law levels the playing field for car dealers. In a highly competitive market, if one dealership decided to open on Sundays, it could put pressure on others to do the same. The law prevents this cycle, giving all dealers the same operating schedule and protecting employee downtime.

What to Do Instead on a Sunday

While buying a car in Wisconsin on a Sunday isn’t an option, there are still plenty of ways to use your time effectively:

1. Research Online: Nearly all dealerships have online listings where you can browse vehicles, view photos, and even see detailed specs. You can use Sunday to narrow down your choices and plan for an in-person visit later.
2. Plan a Test Drive: While you can’t complete a sale on Sunday, many dealerships allow you to schedule test drives online. This way, you can secure an appointment for a test drive on Monday or any other day when the dealership is open.
3. Compare Financing Options: If you’re considering financing, take Sunday to explore rates from various lenders. Many banks, credit unions, and even dealerships offer pre-approval processes online, so you can head into the dealership with financing already arranged.
4. Consider Other Nearby States: If you’re close to the state border, you might wonder if crossing over into neighboring states could allow you to bypass the Sunday ban. However, note that many neighboring states like Minnesota also have similar restrictions on Sunday car sales. Always check local laws to ensure you’re not wasting a trip.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead

While the idea of car shopping on a leisurely Sunday might seem appealing, Wisconsin’s restrictions mean you’ll need to plan ahead. With dealerships closed for sales, use the day to do research, schedule appointments, or focus on financing. Knowing the rules in advance ensures you won’t face disappointment when you arrive at a dealership, only to find the doors closed. Though it might seem inconvenient, these laws serve a purpose.

They protect dealership employees, create a level playing field for businesses, and help foster a healthier work-life balance in an industry known for long hours. So, next time you’re in the market for a car in Wisconsin, just remember: Saturday is your best bet, or wait until Monday!