Most car dealers are closed on Sunday, but some stay open in certain markets
The majority of car dealerships in the United States close on Sunday. However, some dealerships do operate on Sunday, particularly in larger metropolitan areas, competitive markets, or regions with different local regulations. Whether a dealer near you is open depends on your location, the dealership's business model, and state or local laws that may restrict Sunday sales.
Sunday hours vary widely. Some dealers open at 11 a.m. or noon and close by 5 p.m., while others may stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. A few high-volume dealerships in major cities operate full Sunday hours similar to their weekday schedule. The only way to know for certain is to contact the specific dealership or check their website.
Key Takeaways
- Most dealerships close on Sunday, but larger dealerships in competitive markets often stay open with reduced hours.
- Sunday hours typically run from late morning through early evening, not full business hours.
- Some states and counties have local laws that restrict or prohibit Sunday car sales, so availability depends on your location.
- Calling ahead or checking the dealership's website is the fastest way to confirm Sunday hours before you visit.
- Online inventory tools let you browse vehicles and schedule test drives on Sunday even if the showroom is closed.
Why most dealerships close on Sunday
Sunday closures are partly tradition and partly economics. Many dealerships operate on a model built around a five-day sales week, with Saturday as the busiest day. Staffing a full dealership on Sunday — sales staff, service department, finance office, and management — costs money that many dealers believe they cannot recoup on a slower day.
Labor costs also factor in. Paying employees time-and-a-half or double-time for Sunday work (required in some states) makes the math harder for smaller or mid-sized dealerships. Larger dealerships with higher volume can spread those costs across more sales and often choose to stay open.
Which dealerships are most likely to be open Sunday
Large, high-volume dealerships in metropolitan areas are your best bet. Franchised dealerships (those selling new cars from a specific manufacturer) are more likely to be open Sunday than independent used-car lots, though this varies by location. Dealership groups that operate multiple locations often standardize hours across their stores, so if one location is open Sunday, others in that group usually are too.
Competitive markets — places where multiple dealerships sell the same brand or where used-car inventory moves quickly — tend to have more Sunday hours. Rural areas and smaller towns rarely have Sunday-open dealerships. If you live outside a major city, you may need to plan your visit for Saturday or a weekday.
State and local laws that affect Sunday hours
A handful of states and counties have regulations about Sunday car sales. Some restrict the hours during which sales can occur, while others prohibit sales entirely on Sunday. These laws vary significantly and change infrequently, so they are not always straightforward to find online.
If you live in a state with strict blue laws or in a county with local restrictions, dealerships may be prohibited from opening on Sunday regardless of whether they want to. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the local county clerk's office can tell you whether restrictions explore in your area. Dealerships themselves can also answer this question directly.
How to learn about a specific dealership is open Sunday
The fastest method is to call the dealership directly. Ask for their Sunday hours and whether they have any restrictions on test drives or financing on that day. Some dealerships may be open but unable to complete certain transactions on Sunday due to local rules.
Check the dealership's website or Google Business listing. Most dealerships post their hours online, and Google Maps shows hours for the week. If the listing does not show Sunday hours, the dealership is likely closed. You can also check the dealership's social media pages, which sometimes announce special Sunday hours during sales events.
What you can do if the dealership is closed on Sunday
Many dealerships let you browse inventory and schedule test drives through their website or mobile app, even when the showroom is closed. You can narrow down your choices on Sunday and book an appointment for Saturday or a weekday. Some dealerships also offer virtual tours or video consultations on their sites.
If you need to see a vehicle in person on Sunday, consider visiting a dealership in a nearby larger city. Dealerships in metropolitan areas are far more likely to be open. Alternatively, you can visit on Saturday, which is typically the busiest sales day and when most dealerships have full staffing and extended hours.
What to expect if you visit on Sunday
Sunday dealership visits often move faster than weekday visits because fewer customers are there. You may have more one-on-one time with a sales representative. However, some departments — particularly finance and service — may have reduced staffing or be closed entirely, even if the sales floor is open.
If you plan to finance your purchase or trade in a vehicle, confirm ahead of time that the finance office will be staffed on Sunday. Some dealerships open the sales floor on Sunday but handle all paperwork and financing on Saturday or Monday. Knowing this in advance prevents a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test drive a car on Sunday if the dealership is closed?
Not typically. Test drives require a staff member to accompany you and handle insurance and liability. If the dealership is closed, you cannot test drive. However, you can schedule a test drive for another day through their website or by calling ahead.
Do dealerships have to be open on Sunday?
No. Dealerships choose their own hours based on business needs and local law. Some states or counties restrict Sunday sales, but most do not. In places where it is legal, dealerships decide whether the cost of staying open is worth the sales they expect.
Are Sunday hours the same as Saturday hours?
No. Sunday hours are almost always shorter than Saturday hours. If a dealership is open both days, Saturday typically has longer hours and more staff. Sunday is often a reduced-hours day, sometimes opening later and closing earlier.
Can I finance a car purchase on Sunday?
It depends on the dealership. Some dealerships with open sales floors on Sunday also staff their finance office, but many do not. Call ahead to confirm the finance department will be available. If it is not, you may need to return another day to complete paperwork.
What if I want to visit a dealership on Sunday but none are open near me?
Check dealerships in the nearest larger city or metropolitan area. You can also browse inventory online and schedule a test drive for Saturday or a weekday. Many dealerships offer evening hours on weekdays specifically for people who cannot visit during standard business hours.