Norman Dealerships Remain Open, AG Hunter Urges Business Follow Local Orders

A Norman business has received a second citation for not following the city’s coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Oklahoma Motor Cars was the metro’s first business to receive a ticket for not complying, News 9 reported Tuesday. General Manager Chris Mayes said just moments after the story aired, another ticket was issued.

“We received another complaint yesterday,” Sarah Jensen with the Norman Police Department said. “We followed up on that complaint. They were still open and operating and so a second citation was issued.”

Each ticket is punishable by up to a $750 fine and 60 days in jail.

Mayes said other dealerships within a mile on Norman’s I-35 “mile of cars” remain open. He said his dealership is being singled out.

“Officers have followed up on other complaints at car dealerships and have found that those dealerships are in compliance and that they are not selling cars,” Jensen said.

Dealerships are still allowed to operate their service center and sell cars online.

News 9 contacted five dealerships that indicated both their service centers and sales departments were open for in-person guests.

“To an extent, we have to catch people in the act, potentially, to be able to move forward from that,” Jensen said. “It's hard to say exactly what others are not doing. We are following up on those on a case by case basis.”

Mayes said he will keep his business open just like those around him because auto dealers fall under Governor Stitt’s list of essential businesses. However, those dealerships are not on the Norman list.

“The city has the authority to put in place more restrictive regulations than state mandates that further public safety,” a spokesman from Attorney General Mike Hunter’s office said in a statement to News 9. “Businesses should follow the city ordinance, or mandate in effect for their location."

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said at a press conference Wednesday, “Nobody understands the situation on the ground better than the people who live in them.”

The Oklahoma Motor Cars dealership said they plan to again remain open and fight the citations.

“This is temporary,” Norman Mayor Breea Clark said. “That is the great news and it will be even more temporary the sooner we all get on board.

“It's impacting livelihood and we don't take that lightly, however, we also see that there is a significant issue and risk to public health and that's why we are taking this seriously,” Jensen said.