BISMARCK — A judge is mulling arguments over whether Tesla can sell its vehicles in North Dakota.
Tesla is suing the state over its interpretation of state law — that car manufacturers cannot sell directly to consumers without a dealer license.
Tesla is arguing it is not a manufacturer by the state’s definition, saying it does not sell to car dealers.
The state claims Tesla can operate in North Dakota, but would have to adhere to state law, and add their interpretation may create unintended consequences.
“Tesla’s interpretation of these laws creates a new category that’s not a manufacturer, not a franchise dealer, and yet they’re allowed to operate as both. That entity simply doesn’t exist anywhere in the statutes together,” said Michael Pitcher, attorney for the state of North Dakota.
Tesla is intending to build dealerships in Fargo and Bismarck. The judge did not give a timeline for issuing a decision.
Isak Dinesen joined WDAY-TV as a reporter in September 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist at WAOW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin for three years. He graduated from NDSU in 2020, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Sports Communication at MSUM.
