Sunday motorcycle sales coming to Indiana - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Several dozen new laws go into effect on July 1st. One of them allows motorcycle sales on Sundays for the first time.

Sunday motorcycle sales were banned under Indiana's blue laws.  Blue laws of the state's older laws which were influenced by religion and the belief that Sunday should be a day of church and not commerce. Many now consider these laws out of date.

With motorcycle sales now allowed on Sunday, many consumers are wondering if car sales will be next. Industry experts say it is unlikely.

That is because motorcycle dealerships have been open for years selling accessories like t-shirts, jackets, and helmets, but have been forbidden to sell the actual motor vehicle.

Compare that to car dealerships, which only sell cars. Dealership owner Tom O'Brien said they would not sell more cars if they were open on Sundays.

"It's the law.  And that's why it works.  Because it is the law, no one can be open on Sunday, so it doesn't cost a single penny, however if we were to open on Sunday, we wouldn't have any additional revenue but we'd have additional expense," said O'Brien.

He also said it would drive up their overhead and be an added burden on their workers.

"All of our employees, they like having a day off, they like having a day at home. Many people go to church. It's important and there is no advantage -none - to being open on Sunday," said O'Brien.

Dealers say being closed on Sundays also allows customers to come and window shop. They are able to check out the cars without the pressure of a salesman.