New Rules Make it Easier To Go Car Shopping in NY State

On May 6, Empire State Development released an update on
GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IS SUBJECT TO A WORKFORCE REDUCTION UNDER RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS. Under the new rules, car dealerships are getting a break when it comes to car sales. Governor Cuomo is now allowing people to car shop by appointment only at car dealerships. Before the new guidelines, service departments at car dealerships could continue to operate but vehicle sales could not be done in person at the dealership, only electronically or over the phone with auto delivery by appointment. Not an easy way to car shop unless you already know exactly what you want.

Under the new guidance, dealerships must maintain social distancing and follow sanitation criteria with their facility and with vehicles.

To see the full list of guidelines and what businesses are deemed essential and non-essential visit esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.