In-Person Car, Motorcycle Sales To Resume Wednesday In NJ

NEW JERSEY - Those looking to upgrade their transportation will have more options starting Wednesday morning as Gov. Phil Murphy has issued an administrative order allowing in-person car, motorcycle and bike sales.

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Speaking at his Tuesday coronavirus, or COVID-19, briefing, Murphy said the businesses will be free to open their doors at 6 a.m.

"We know that his is an important step for dealerships and for people who need access for transportation and it is unquestionably another step forward on our road back," Murphy said.

On March 21 dealers were shuttered on the sales side, but were allowed to take customers for repair work. Since March 31, car dealerships were only permitted conduct online or remote sales, deliver vehicles directly to their customers or allow customers to pick them up.

The update comes as the number of cases rose to 149,013, and 10,586 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy said the "blueprint" provides for reopening businesses and activities based on the level of disease transmission risk and essential classification.

Murphy said he would not provide dates or case markers for when New Jersey can advance to the next stages, saying he didn't want to give people "false hope."

"Our multi-stage approach uses science, data and facts to determine which businesses and activities can reopen according to their risk level and challenges they face to safeguard public health," Murphy said.

Murphy said New Jersey will soon move to "stage two," which will allow restrictions to be relaxed on additional activities "that can be easily safeguarded."

The blueprint also comes as a South Jersey gym continues to rebuff Murphy's orders, making national headlines after reopening for the second straight day on Tuesday morning. At least one person was arrested.

And, for the second straight day, the owners were issued a citation for reopening, according to the Bellmawr Police Department. Read more: NJ Gym That Was Warned By Murphy Reportedly Reopens For 2nd Day

This story contains reporting by Tom Davis.

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