Key Towing Laws in Arkansas
Law Enforcement Notification
Tow operators must notify local law enforcement when performing non-consensual tows from private property.
Vehicle Release
Vehicle owners may retrieve their car upon presenting valid ID, registration, and payment of authorized charges.
Abandoned Vehicle Process
Vehicles unclaimed after 30 days may be declared abandoned and subject to lien proceedings.
Business Hours Access
Tow yards must allow vehicle retrieval during regular business hours.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
Law enforcement must be notified of non-consensual tows.
Signage Requirements
For a tow from a parking lot, a readable sign at each entrance must say who may park there and that parking by all others is prohibited.
Your Rights in Arkansas
- Right to be informed of where your vehicle was taken
- Right to get essentials (documents, medicine, child seats, wallets, phones) free, and other contents for up to 5% of the tow bill
- Right to a written receipt for all charges
- Right to choose your tow destination for consensual tows
- Right to file complaints with the Attorney General
How to File a Complaint in Arkansas
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
- FindLaw - Ark. Code sec. 27-50-1101 (nonconsensual towing, current)
codes.findlaw.com
- FindLaw - Ark. Code sec. 27-51-1305 (private-property signage)
codes.findlaw.com
Regulated by Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Arkansas's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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