Arkansas features a diverse network of 175 towing companies across 84 cities, ensuring coverage from the Ozark Mountains to the Delta. With an average rating of 4.3 stars, the state provides reliable assistance, particularly in hubs like Searcy, North Little Rock, and Conway. Major transit corridors including I-40 and I-30 see high traffic volumes, making quick access to the 41 available 24/7 operators necessary for stranded motorists. Little Rock and Cabot also serve as primary service clusters for roadside needs. Drivers traversing rural routes between these cities should account for longer response times outside urban centers. Whether facing a mechanical failure in the Ouachita National Forest or a flat tire near the capital, the state's towing infrastructure supports local and recovery needs effectively across all regions without delay.

Towing Regulations in Arkansas

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board

Towing companies must file a current fee schedule with the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board for all nonconsensual tows.
Private property owners must post visible signs at all parking entrances to legally authorize the immediate removal of unauthorized vehicles.
Operators must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of completing a nonconsensual tow from private or public property.
Arkansas law grants owners the right to retrieve personal property from a towed vehicle without paying the towing bill first.
Vehicles left unclaimed for 30 days are considered abandoned and may be sold at auction after mandatory certified mail notification.

Move-Over Law: Arkansas Code § 27-51-1304 requires drivers to move to the farthest lane or slow down for stationary emergency vehicles, including tow trucks. Violations result in fines up to $500.

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ROAD CONDITIONS

Road Hazards in Arkansas

Ice StormsHigh

Winter weather frequently coats I-40 and I-55 with thick ice, causing multi-vehicle pileups. Freezing rain creates treacherous conditions across the northern Ozark plateau, leading to high demand for winch-out services during December and January.

Flash FloodingMedium

Heavy spring rains trigger rapid rising water in low-lying areas near the Arkansas River. Localized flooding often strands vehicles on secondary roads in Pulaski and Faulkner counties, requiring specialized recovery equipment for waterlogged engines.

Wildlife CollisionsMedium

Deer crossings are common on rural highways like Highway 65 and Highway 67. These high-speed impacts often disable vehicles entirely, necessitating immediate flatbed towing to prevent further road hazards during dawn and dusk hours.

Mountain PassesMedium

The steep grades and sharp curves of the Ozark Mountains challenge heavy-duty trucks and cooling systems. Brake failures on Highway 7 often require emergency recovery services for overheated vehicles or those that have left the roadway.

Average Local Tow Cost

$85 – $130

$50$300

Long stretches between rural towns like Harrison and Clinton increase mileage fees significantly for standard local towing services.

Recovering vehicles from steep embankments in the Ozarks requires specialized winch equipment and higher labor rates.

High demand during winter ice storms or spring flood events often triggers peak pricing for emergency roadside assistance.

Requesting a tow outside standard business hours in cities like Little Rock typically incurs a flat dispatch premium.

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COST GUIDE

Towing Costs in Arkansas

Local Tow

$85 – $130

Long Distance (per mile)

$4.00 – $6.50

Heavy Duty Towing

$250 – $450

Roadside Assistance

$65 – $110

Motorcycle Towing

$90 – $150

Winch-Out/Recovery

$100 – $225

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

Towing Guides & Resources

How Much Does Towing Cost? Complete 2026 Breakdown

Average rates, per-mile pricing, and how to avoid overpaying.

Read guide →

Types of Tow Trucks: Flatbed, Wheel-Lift & More

Which tow truck type is right for your vehicle and situation.

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Car Got Towed? Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Back

What to do immediately, who to call, and how to minimize fees.

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Best Roadside Assistance Programs Compared

AAA vs. insurance vs. manufacturer programs — which is worth it.

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Towing Fees Breakdown: What You're Really Paying For

Hookup fees, mileage charges, after-hours surcharges explained.

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Towing Capacity Guide: What Your Truck Can Really Pull

How to find your tow rating and stay safely within limits.

Read guide →

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COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQs About Towing in Arkansas

The Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board does not set a statewide maximum fee for most tows. Instead, companies must file their specific rate schedules with the Board. Consumers should ask for these rates upfront to avoid surprises. In cities like Conway or Little Rock, municipal ordinances might impose additional price caps on nonconsensual tows from private property.

Yes, Arkansas state law allows vehicle owners to retrieve personal property from a towed vehicle even if they cannot yet pay the towing or storage fees. This includes items like clothing, medicine, and wallets. The storage facility must provide access during normal business hours. However, items physically attached to the vehicle, like stereos, cannot be removed.

Arkansas Code § 27-51-1304 mandates that drivers move to the farthest lane possible when approaching a stationary tow truck with activated amber lights. If changing lanes is unsafe, you must slow down to a cautious speed. This law protects operators working on busy routes like I-40. Failure to comply can result in fines and potential license suspension.

For nonconsensual tows, Arkansas operators are required to notify the local police department or sheriff’s office within 30 minutes of the tow's completion. This ensures that when a car owner calls to report a stolen vehicle, the police can confirm it was actually towed. This rule applies to both private property removals and police-ordered impounds.

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the towing company may begin the process of declaring it abandoned. They must send a certified letter to the last registered owner. If the vehicle is still not claimed and fees aren't paid, it can be sold at a public auction to recoup the towing and storage costs incurred.

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FULL DIRECTORY