Getting towed is stressful. It’s expensive, confusing, and usually happens at the worst possible time. Knowing Arkansas towing laws can save you money and protect your rights.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover private property towing, what tow companies can and can’t do, penalties, and how to fight back if something goes wrong.
What Is Towing Law in Arkansas?
Towing law in Arkansas is basically a set of rules that control how, when, and why your vehicle can be towed. It also controls how much towing companies can charge you.
The main rulebook is found in Arkansas Code Title 27, Subchapters 11 and 12. These laws apply to any towing company that operates in the state.
The Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board enforces these rules. Think of them like the referee for the entire towing industry. They license tow companies, investigate complaints, and punish bad actors.
Pretty important, right?
Basic Arkansas Towing Laws
When Can Your Car Be Towed Without Permission?
This is the big one. Most people don’t realize how strict these rules are.
In Arkansas, a tow company can tow your car without your permission in three main situations. First, if your vehicle is abandoned on public or private property. Second, if you’re parked illegally and blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard. Third, if you’re parked on private property without the owner’s permission.
Wondering if all three really apply to you? They do. Each situation has its own rules, though.
For private property tows, the property owner must request the tow in writing. That written request must include the owner’s name, contact info, and a description of your vehicle. The tow company must keep a copy of that written request on file.
So simple! But a lot of tow companies skip this step. That could actually make your tow illegal.
Tow-Away Signs: What You Need to Know
Okay, this one is important.
Before a private property can legally tow your car, the area must have proper tow-away signs posted. Arkansas law requires these signs to meet specific size and content standards.
Signs must be at least 2 feet by 3 feet. The lettering must be at least one inch tall and in bold. Signs must be posted at least three feet off the ground. And they must not block visibility for drivers entering the property.
The signs also need to include key information. That means the towing company’s name and phone number, and the fees you could be charged.
If a parking lot doesn’t have a proper sign, a tow from that lot might be considered illegal. Keep that in mind.
What the Tow Company Must Do Before Towing
Hold on, this part is important.
Before hooking up your car, a tow company must have written authorization from the property owner or their agent. That’s not optional. It’s required by law under Arkansas Code § 27-50-1101.
The written statement must include the property owner’s contact details. It must confirm the vehicle is parked without permission. And it must identify the specific vehicle being towed, including the make, model, and vehicle identification number.
Most people assume the tow company can just show up and grab a car. That’s not true. There’s a whole paper trail required. Yep, that’s all it takes to protect yourself. Know the rules.
Licensing Rules for Tow Companies
Every Tow Company Must Be Licensed
You’re not alone if you’ve never thought about this. Most people don’t realize that tow companies in Arkansas must be licensed by the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.
Every tow truck must also display a valid Tow Vehicle Safety Permit on its windshield. This permit must be current and is specific to each individual vehicle.
There are two types of tow permits. A non-consent towing permit is for towing cars without the owner’s permission. A consent towing permit covers regular towing where the car owner calls for help. A consent-only tow truck cannot be used for non-consent tows. That’s a key rule a lot of people miss.
Confused about the difference? Let me break it down. Consent towing is when you call a tow truck yourself. Non-consent is when someone else orders the tow without your knowledge.
The 2025 Towing Reform Law: Big Changes
Wait, it gets better.
In May 2025, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a major towing reform law. It’s called the Towing and Recovery Reform and Efficiency Act of 2025. This was a big deal for consumers.
The old towing board had six out of nine members who were tow company owners. That’s a lot of influence in the hands of the industry being regulated. The new law changed that completely.
The emergency clause in the law immediately removed all nine existing board members. The governor was required to appoint an entirely new board. This new board must now include a member representing the trucking industry and a member from the commercial trucking insurance industry.
Personally, I think that change was long overdue. It makes the board more balanced and fair for consumers.
The law also tackled predatory towing, which is when tow companies and property owners work together to tow cars unfairly just to collect fees. Arkansas officials described some tow companies as “bad actors” who were taking advantage of people.
New Invoice Complaint Requirements Starting July 1, 2025
Here’s where things get serious for tow companies.
Starting July 1, 2025, every towing invoice must include a notice about how to file a complaint. This notice must be printed in bold letters at the bottom of each invoice. It must include the phone number and website of the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.
This makes it much easier for you to report a problem. Before, many people didn’t even know they could file a complaint.
Towing Fees and Storage Charges
Are There Limits on What Tow Companies Can Charge?
This part can be tricky, honestly.
Arkansas law gives the Towing and Recovery Board the power to set rules about excessive pricing. The board can investigate and punish companies that charge too much for non-consent towing, storage, or related fees.
Tow companies are required to keep their current maximum rate schedule posted at their storage facility. They must also keep it on file with the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. So you have the right to see what they’re supposed to charge before you pay.
Here’s something most people miss. If you feel you were overcharged, you have the right to request an itemized bill. Tow companies are required to provide a written breakdown of all charges. That includes the tow fee, storage fee, administrative fee, and any other costs.
Think of it like a restaurant receipt. You wouldn’t pay a bill without knowing what you ordered, right? Same principle applies here.
Local Rules Can Change the Fees
Many people assume Arkansas has one statewide fee limit. That’s not exactly right.
Cities and counties in Arkansas can pass their own local rules about towing fees. A city can set its own cap on what tow companies can charge for private property tows in that area. The local limit applies, and if towing fees exceed that limit, the difference must be charged back to the property owner, not to you.
This is a big deal. If your city has a local towing fee ordinance, tow companies must follow it. Check with your local city or county government to find out if your area has these additional rules.
A friend asked me about this recently. Turns out, most people in Arkansas have no idea their city might have extra protections. Don’t be one of them.
Storage Fees and Getting Your Car Back
Getting towed is bad. Finding out your car is racking up storage fees every day is worse.
Arkansas law requires storage facilities to be secure and to maintain proper documentation of all towed vehicles. The vehicle owner must be notified about where their car is being held.
If storage fees go unpaid long enough, the tow company can eventually place a lien on your vehicle. That’s basically a legal claim that lets them sell your car to recover the debt. The timeline for this can vary, so act quickly if your car gets towed.
Don’t wait. Storage fees add up fast. Think of it like a hotel that charges by the day. The longer your car stays, the bigger the bill.
Penalties for Tow Companies That Break the Rules
What Happens When a Tow Company Messes Up?
So what happens if you break this law? The penalties are serious.
Tow company owners found guilty of violating Arkansas towing laws can be fined up to $5,000 per occurrence. Their business license can also be suspended or revoked entirely. That’s not a slap on the wrist. Losing a license means losing the business.
Law enforcement also has the power to charge a tow operator with a misdemeanor for improper towing. That can come with a citation and a fine of up to $500.
Less severe than a felony, but still no joke.
Tow companies that don’t display a valid safety permit on their tow trucks are also in violation. And consent-only tow companies that attempt non-consent tows can face serious penalties.
What You Can Do If You Were Towed Illegally
Most people don’t realize how strict these laws are. You actually have real options if something went wrong.
First, request an itemized bill right away. You have the right to see exactly what you’re being charged for.
Second, check if the tow was legal. Did the property have proper signs? Did the tow company have written authorization? Was the tow company properly licensed?
Third, file a complaint. As of July 2025, every towing invoice must include the contact info for the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. You can also reach them at the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing website at labor.arkansas.gov.
Don’t worry. The complaint process is designed to help regular people, not just lawyers.
Special Circumstances
Cargo and Commercial Vehicles
The 2025 towing reform law included a special rule for truck drivers and commercial vehicles.
Under the new law, if a commercial truck is towed without the driver’s consent, the vehicle owner has the right to have their cargo returned for a fee. The tow company gets 20% of the cargo’s value upfront. They can still hold a lien on the remaining balance of the tow bill.
This was a major win for truckers. Before this law, some tow companies would hold cargo hostage along with the truck.
What If Your Car Is Being Hooked Up Right Now?
Okay, pause. Read this carefully.
If you show up while your car is in the process of being towed, you have rights. Arkansas law does not require a tow company to stop mid-tow for free, but they must give you the option to pay a drop fee to get your car back on the spot.
The drop fee must be less than the full towing fee. So if you catch it in time, you can often get your car back for less than the cost of a full tow. That’s worth knowing.
Abandoned Vehicles
A vehicle can be considered abandoned under Arkansas law if it’s left on a property without authorization for an extended period. What counts as “abandoned” can depend on state and local rules. Generally it’s a week to a month of being left unattended.
If your car is declared abandoned, even if it’s just sitting with a flat tire, the tow company can legally tow it and start charging storage fees. If those fees go unpaid, your car could eventually be auctioned off.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. Don’t leave your car parked somewhere and forget about it.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are the most practical steps you can take right now.
Know the signs. When you park in a private lot, look for a tow-away sign. It should be at least 2 by 3 feet, with bold lettering, and include the tow company’s name and number. No sign? Take a photo of the lot before you leave.
If your car gets towed, call the number on the sign or contact local police to find out where your car was taken. Act quickly. Every day your car sits costs more money.
Ask for an itemized bill before you pay anything. You are legally entitled to one.
If you think the tow was illegal or the fees are wrong, file a complaint with the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. You can reach them online at labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/towing-and-recovery-board or by calling their office directly.
Trust me, this works. You don’t need a lawyer to file a complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow company in Arkansas tow my car from private property without a sign?
No. Private property must have a properly sized tow-away sign posted before a tow company can legally remove vehicles. The sign must include the tow company’s contact info and potential fees.
What should I do if I think I was overcharged for towing in Arkansas?
Request an itemized bill and then file a complaint with the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Starting July 2025, every towing invoice must include instructions on how to file that complaint.
How much can a tow company charge me in Arkansas?
Arkansas law does not set a single statewide dollar limit, but tow companies must keep their rate schedules on file with the board and posted at their storage facility. Cities and counties may have their own local fee caps.
Can a tow company legally hold my car until I pay?
Yes. Arkansas law allows tow and storage companies to hold your vehicle under a possessory lien until you pay. If you don’t pay, they can eventually sell your vehicle to recover their costs.
What is the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board?
It is the state agency that licenses tow companies, investigates consumer complaints about overcharging and improper towing, and enforces Arkansas towing laws. You can reach them at labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/towing-and-recovery-board.
What changed with the 2025 Arkansas towing reform law?
The law overhauled the Towing and Recovery Board, removed all prior members, added trucking industry representation, created new consumer complaint notice requirements on invoices, and addressed predatory towing practices statewide.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas towing laws actually give you solid protections. The 2025 reform law made things even better. But the rules only help you if you know them.
Now you do. If your car gets towed, don’t panic. Check for proper signage, ask for an itemized bill, and file a complaint if something feels wrong. Stay informed, stay calm, and when in doubt, contact the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board or speak with a local attorney.
References
- Arkansas Code § 27-50-1101 – Nonconsensual Towing
- Arkansas Code § 27-50-1203 – Towing and Recovery Board
- Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board – Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
- Towing and Recovery Reform and Efficiency Act of 2025 – HB2001
- Land Line Media – Towing Reforms Signed Into Law in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas Administrative Code – Towing and Recovery Board Rules
