I don't know if this is true about a federal law, but one reason to use the gift cards rather than leave them in your drawer is they may be worthless in the relatively unlikely event the dealer goes out of business.

That was the case with a local dealer a few months ago, that closed their doors with out warning just after Christmas and left a lot of people holding gift cards.

They did eventually open up for a 1 day sale so people could use up their cards.

 

Tell me about it. I just spent another $200 tonight, and it's not even for any bling or performance items. A sissy bar bag and two rain suits. Oh well, at least on our next trip we will be dry and have plenty of clothes with us.