Ted S. Warren/ap file photoTesla's first-quarter new vehicle deliveries climbed 55 percent.

Ted S. Warren/ap file photoTesla's first-quarter new vehicle deliveries climbed 55 percent.

New law allows direct sale of Tesla cars in New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a measure Wednesday that would allow the sale of Tesla and other zero-emission cars in the state.

The new law comes about a year after the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission issued regulations requiring cars to be sold through franchises.

The Palo Alto, California-based company markets its vehicles directly to consumers, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk protested the New Jersey regulations last year. He said the company chose not to sell through franchises because most of their revenue comes from gasoline-powered cars leaving little incentive to sell electric vehicles.

A message to the company seeking comment Wednesday was not immediately returned.

The legislation also requires companies selling cars directly to consumers to maintain a service facility and to report sales figures to the state.

Christie promised last year to sign legislation letting companies like Tesla sell directly in the state.

On Wednesday, he took credit for fulfilling the promise.

“We're pleased that manufacturers like Tesla will now have the opportunity to establish direct sales operations for consumers in a manner lawfully in New Jersey,” Christie said in a statement.

Democrats, who control the Legislature and sent the bill to Christie's desk on Monday, praised the development. Democratic Assemblyman Lou Greenwald called the new law a “win-win” for New Jersey residents.

Christie had 45 days to act on the bill but chose to sign it just two days after legislators sent it to him.

businessChris ChristieNew JerseyScience & TechnologyTesla

If you find our journalism valuable and relevant, please consider joining our Examiner membership program.
Find out more at www.sfexaminer.com/join/

Just Posted

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted changes to The City's streets including Slow Streets closures to increase open space access and the Shared Spaces program, which allows businesses to use public right-of-ways for dining, retail and services. (Examiner illustration)
COVID is reshaping the streets of San Francisco

Walk down Page Street, which is closed to thru-traffic, and you might… Continue reading

At a rally in February, Monthanus Ratanapakdee, left, and Eric Lawson remember Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai man who died after he was pushed to the pavement in San Francisco. (Ekevara Kitpowsong/Examiner file photo)
The criminal justice system can’t fix what’s wrong in our community

My 87-year-old mother walks gingerly, slowly, deliberately, one step in front of… Continue reading

Superintendent Vincent Matthews said some students and families who want to return will not be able to do so at this time. “We truly wish we could reopen schools for everyone,” he said. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
SFUSD sets April reopening date after reaching tentative agreement with teachers union

San Francisco Unified School District has set April 12 as its reopening… Continue reading

José Victor Luna and Maria Anabella Ochoa, who cite health reasons for continuing distance learning, say they have been enjoying walking in Golden Gate Park with their daughters Jazmin, a first grader, and Jessica, a third grader. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
Some SFUSD families prefer distance learning

Health issues, classroom uncertainties among reasons for staying home

Most Read