How will Texans get back our direct to consumer laws?

[dontputapickleinmybutt]

Anyone have any idea?

 

[DinoLord]

"Donate" more money than the dealerships

 

[dontputapickleinmybutt]

Past, not back. Sorry.

 

[Rocks]

Yeah, I'd have thought that with all the Tesla stuff moving there, there would be enough money sloshing around for TX to update the DSO laws.

 

[Mad Mac]

Google AI says:

Texans can restore direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales—such as buying cars directly from automakers or DTC alcohol—by lobbying state lawmakers to pass legislation that creates specific carve-outs in current franchise laws. Because the Texas legislature meets biennially, the next opportunity for major reform is the regular session starting in January 2027. [1, 2]
Because DTC bans in Texas are rooted in established industries protecting their traditional dealership and distribution networks, reversing these laws requires a strategic, long-term political effort:

• Lobby State Representatives and Senators: The primary way to change these rules is by getting a legislator to sponsor and introduce a DTC exemption bill. You can find your state lawmakers through the Texas Legislature Online directory.
• Build Grassroots Coalitions: Join or support consumer-led and industry-backed advocacy groups (such as consumer rights organizations or direct-sales advocacy groups for electric vehicles and craft beverages) that actively lobby at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
• Support Dealership Compromise Legislation: Historically, past attempts to allow companies like Tesla to sell directly to consumers required legislative compromises. Working with lawmakers to draft a bill that addresses dealer concerns while permitting direct sales to consumers is the most proven route to passing a bill. [1]
• Track Bill Progress: When legislative sessions are active, you can use the Texas Legislature Online bill search to monitor committee hearings, track votes, and submit public testimony supporting DTC exemptions. [1]

You're welcome.

 

[LevelHeaded]

Don’t they just get around this by having you complete payment/the sale before they bring it over the TX border? I thought that’s the way other D2C car sales have gotten around it…

 

[Mad Mac]

You nailed it. That is exactly the workaround D2C automakers use.
Because Texas franchise laws forbid manufacturers from selling vehicles directly to consumers, companies like Tesla and Rivian structure purchases as out-of-state sales. [1, 2, 3]
The workaround operates as follows:

• The Loophole: You complete all the paperwork, sign your contracts, and submit final payment to an out-of-state entity before the car crosses the Texas border. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• The Legal Fiction: Technically, you bought an out-of-state vehicle, and the manufacturer is simply acting as a shipping/transport service to bring the car you already own into Texas. [1]
• Delivery & Registration: The car is dropped off at a Texas service center (or your home). Because it's an out-of-state sale, you have to handle the Texas registration and title process yourself at your local County Tax Office, rather than the company doing it for you. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

While it lets you buy the car, it does come with a couple of catches: [1]

• No Price Haggling: Direct sellers, such as those on Rivian, still operate on a non-negotiable pricing model. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Delivery Fees: Because of the convoluted logistics, you usually have to pay a delivery fee to get it to your driveway. For example, Rivian charges a delivery fee if you don't pick it up at a service center. [1]
• Registration Headaches: You have to jump through a few extra hoops to get your plates, pay the standard state taxes, and pay the required EV registration fees. [1, 2]

Courtesy Google AI Overview

 

[tubes]

Looks like NC will go through the same dance. Probably also why most of us don't have a solid window yet. I saw that some in the Charlotte area have a window. My guess is they'll deliver them right over the state line which is very near Charlotte.

It may be time for me to have a talk with my local state legislator. The grip that the dealer association has on this governing body is ridiculous.

 

[Luxrage]

I can't wait to purchase my slate in O-Klee-Homa! I'd gladly pick my Slate up in Chocktaw or Winstar and bring it over.