Whitmer signs bill to allow Michigan car dealerships to have more flexible hours

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces the first round of Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at the GM Mobility Research Center at Kettering University in Flint. "These grants are securing a foundation for mobility companies across the state that builds on our reputation as a global leader in testing and deployment of future mobility solutions, but also create a runway to future growth and jobs right here in Michigan," Whitmer said. "These five companies will help bring Michigan closer to our goal of providing sustainable, equitable and accessible transportation options for all residents, and I'm confident this technology will have a lasting positive impact on our communities." (Jake May | MLive.com)
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LANSING, MI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill to allow car dealerships more flexibility in their hours of operation, her office announced in a news release.

SB 128, which will amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow car dealerships greater ability to accommodate necessary closures, was signed into law Thursday.

Currently, Michigan car dealerships must be open for a least 30 hours a week for 52 weeks each year. The current requirement poses a challenge for car dealerships to accommodate emergencies, vacations, and other necessary closures, the governor’s office said. Under the recently-signed legislation, new and used car dealerships can be open for less than the current 30 hour-minimum for up to four weeks each year.

Dealers will be able to close for several days or more in a single week to allow for vacation during slow times, for repairs or equipment upgrades.

“I am happy to sign legislation that supports our small businesses and puts Michigan first,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Senate Bill 128 lifts restrictions for Michigan car dealerships without compromising opportunities for consumers. This bill is a great example of the positive difference we can make for Michiganders.”

The bill will require the posted hours to be at least 30 hours per week for at least 48 weeks per year. Fifteen of the 30 hours per week would have to be between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis.

The legislation allows a dealer to change its posted hours to less than the required 30 hours per week, but only for up to four weeks. Dealerships must to notify the Department of State at least seven days before the change.

“We applaud Governor Whitmer for signing this common sense legislation that will provide many small independent automobile dealerships with much needed regulatory relief and flexibility when emergencies occur and provide them with the ability to plan for other temporary closures,” said Otto Hahne, owner of City of Cars in Troy, and President of Michigan Independent Automobile Dealers Association.

The bill is set to take effect after 60 days.

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