And on the Seventh Day, They Stop Selling Cars

With the American auto industry in dire straits, you might think dealers would be working 24/7 to move merchandise. But in 14 states and scattered counties elsewhere, Sunday sales are against the law—and many dealership owners like it that way. The Wall Street Journal visits Rhode Island to look at both sides of a surprisingly contentious issue.

The state repealed its ban on Sunday sales last year, but its 60 dealers remain split, and emotions run high. "How can you tell somebody they can't open their business?" says a vocal opponent of Sunday closings. "Isn't it my right?" Counters a GM dealer who still operates just 6 days a week: "I'd rather go out of business than open up on a Sunday. I won't do it." (More auto industry stories.)