A long-standing Virginia law prohibits automobile manufacturers from owning or controlling dealerships in the state, unless the DMV commissioner determines after a hearing that there are no independent dealers available in a community to sell a manufacturer’s vehicles.

Tesla previously sought state approval to open its own dealership in Northern Virginia in April 2012. After hearings, the request was rejected by the DMV the next year, but Tesla challenged the decision in court.

In September 2013, a settlement was reached between Tesla, the DMV and the state dealers group, under which Tesla was allowed to open one dealership in Northern Virginia, which it could operate until Aug. 25, 2017. After that, it would have to find an independent dealer.

Tesla opened a single dealership near Tysons Corner in February 2015, according to court documents.

The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association said at least 11 Virginia automobile dealerships have contacted Tesla to express an interest in selling the company’s cars.

That includes at least three dealers in the Richmond area, according to letters from dealers to Tesla that the auto group submitted to the court as part of the lawsuit.