Dealer XT, an auto dealer compliance firm, has created a petition to urge California Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare auto dealers as essential businesses.

In the online petition, Dealer XT asked Newsom to “expressly add” auto dealerships to the list of the essential businesses. It said the state’s position only lists auto repair and supply businesses as essential and is unclear and conflicts with other local government lists.

The petition states, “Automobile dealers are currently experiencing confusion about whether they can remain open as an ‘essential business’ as it relates to automobile sales. As an example, the Counties of Sacramento and Merced have specifically listed automobile dealer sales as ‘Essential Businesses’ while other counties have not. Some counties have now amended their orders to allow cars sales with certain restrictions.”

The petition shares stories of healthcare workers who, for various reason, were left without transportation because they could not buy a car. It also explains that most dealerships have small staffs and are able to social distance and protect customers. The petition adds, “Over the past few weeks, simple solutions have successfully been applied by many essential businesses across the state to provide a safe environment. Why not allow car dealerships to do the same?”