FTC Staff Comment Before the Illinois State Senate Regarding Senate Bill 2629, Which Would Repeal Certain Provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code That Currently Prohibit the Sale or Long-Term Lease of New or Used Automobiles on Sunday in Illinois

FTC staff submitted a comment, in response to a request from Illinois State Senator James Oberweis, regarding the competitive impact of repealing the state’s prohibition on the sale or long-term lease of vehicles on Sundays. The staff comment stated that repealing the mandatory Sunday closing provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code likely would enhance competition and benefit consumers. The comment observed that existing law eliminated the possibility of competition among auto dealers to determine the Sunday hours of operation that would be most responsive to consumer preferences and most beneficial to consumers. The comment further noted that the probable effects of the mandatory Sunday closing laws extend beyond vehicle sales and long-term leasing, because auto dealers also provide repair services and sell replacement parts.