NJ Gov. Christie: Tesla (TSLA) Wanted to Skirt the Law With Direct-Sales Model

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is placing the blame on banning Tesla Motors (Nasdaq: TSLA) direct sales on state lawmakers.

Bloomberg cites Christie as saying, at a town hall meeting in South River on Tuesday, Tesla was operating outside the law ... I have no problem with Tesla selling directly to customers, except it’s against the law in New Jersey. He said Tesla would need to deal with legislature instead of looking for an exemption to the law.

On March 11th, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's (MVC) eight-member panel, all made up of members from Christie's cabinet, voted to unanimously to block Tesla from operating direct-sales stores within the state. The move caused somewhat of an uprising, with many commenting that dealers have have legislatures in their pocket for too long.

Still, Tesla will be able to sell its vehicle within the state. Potential owners will just need to go online, or to locations in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, or Manhattan if they want to conduct a physical test-drive and sale at the same time.

Shares of Tesla are positive early Wednesday.

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