Christie signs law allowing Tesla sales in New Jersey

TRENTON – Tesla Motors can once again sell its electric cars in New Jersey.

Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill into law Wednesday sent to him just two days earlier by the Legislature that allows manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles to sell their cars directly to consumers at up to four locations in New Jersey. They’re also required to operate at least one service facility.

Tesla Motors used to sell its vehicles in New Jersey but was blocked roughly a year ago by the state Motor Vehicle Commission because state law requires cars to be sold through franchised dealerships.

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“I said last year that if the Legislature changed the law, I would sign new legislation put on my desk and that is exactly what I’m doing today,” Christie said. “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.”

The Assembly passed the bill allowing Tesla to restart sales last June by a vote of 77-0, plus one vote to abstain. Progress then slowed in the Senate, which contemplated a more expansive alternative that would have made unrelated changes in state law sought by the car dealers’ association. A consensus was never reached, and the Senate voted 29-2 on Monday to send the bill to Christie.

Christie had until at least the end of April to act on the bill.

The new law takes effect immediately.

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Tesla had been unable to sell its cars in New Jersey since April 1, 2014. Its stores at the Short Hills Mall and Garden State Plaza have been galleries for nearly a year, with customers who want to buy a car referred to New York or Pennsylvania.

Tesla has already opened a service center on Route 17 in Paramus.

Through its company Twitter account, Tesla called the new law “a huge victory in New Jersey for consumer choice” and thanked lawmakers for the change.

“We also wish to thank Tesla owners and supporters for their ongoing help,” said Diarmuid O'Connell, Tesla’s vice president of corporate business development. “We are proud to tell New Jersey that we are open for business.”

Michael Symons: (609) 984-4336; msymons@app.com