HOT . BREAKING NEWS
PTRAA has learned that an Arkansas State Police Troop in western Arkansas has removed from its rotation list a number of tow operators for expired permits. Some of the operators had not renewed their state required permits in years.

State police action has trickled down into the county and local levels as well with Sebastian County suspending at least eight (8) tow operators from their active rotation list. There is little doubt that other ASP Troops will follow the same course of action in he coming weeks across the state.

CHECK YOUR PERMIT AND LICENSING RENEWAL DATES. There are no good excuses. PTRAA strongly encourages ALL tow and recovery operators in the state to renew ALL licenses and your required permits through the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board and that ALL trucks and equipment be maintained and capable of performing at the highest performance and safety level.
Ignoring the law and operating without permits can be costly. In recent Board action a Tow operator was fined $15,000 for towing with an expired permit.

A few tow operators bypassing the basic rules of the road and the law can result in unfortunate consequences for the entire industry through increased regulation and punitive action by law makers.

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WELCOME to PTRAA NEW MEMBERS

Auto Plex Inc. . Danny Kimes . Alma, AR
Gillis Towing . Jim Gillis . Jonesboro, AR
Haymond Insurance, Inc. . Doug Doughty . Searcy, AR
Hooks Towing & Recovery Supply . Butch Hoglind . Wynne, AR
Horton Towing . Randy Horton . Mena, AR
Meyer Truck Center . Randy Meyer . Oklahoma City, OK
Meyer Truck Center . Ken Jinks . Olathe, KS
Randy Casey Wrecker Service . Randy Casey . Russellville, AR
RC Fason Insurance-Farmers Insurance . RC Fason . Little Rock, AR

These companies have joined or renewed their membership since the last update. A special thanks for joining PTRAA. Please note, a lot of the members that have joined or renewed are associate members. We want to encourage you to use the services and products offered by PTRAA Associate Members. 
 

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A SPECIAL NOTICE TO WEST ARKANSAS TOW OPERATORS
Have you been stopped recently in Oklahoma? Have you been prohibited from engaging in a consent tow? Are you aware of Oklahoma tow companies operating in Arkansas without proper permits? CALL PTRAA, HELP US HELP YOU.

PTRAA UPDATE: OKLAHOMA RECIPROCITY REMAINS AN ISSUE FOR WEST ARKANSAS
The battle for Arkansas tow operators to be allowed to operate across state line in Oklahoma continues on multiple fronts.

PTRAA staff and legal counsel, Cliff Block, continue to work to resolve the problem many west Arkansas tow operators face daily when trying to serve their client base that often time extends into Oklahoma. “Based on some of the feedback I am getting from members and others, the problem almost seems to have become more visible since we elevated the issue.” said Steve Rogers, PTRAA Executive Director. “Members just need to know we are in it for the long haul and we feel strongly that at the end of the day we will prevail.”

PTRAA is attacking the issue from a number of fronts;
1] Conversations with Oklahoma regulatory agencies seeking clarification of their policy and pursuing even-handed enforcement that complies with their current regulations.
2] Considering any and all legal remedies that may be available to the membership.
3] Working with the Arkansas congressional delegation as their action appears to be a violation of federally-regulated interstate commerce.
4] If needed, PTRAA is preparing a legislative remedy that would be introduced in the upcoming 2013 legislative session that would strengthen and clarify the reciprocity language.

The PTRAA office continues to receive reports that several Oklahoma based tow companies are operating illegally in Arkansas. ♦ 

Our advice and recommendation has not changed. In order to properly document this type of activity and strengthen our case you MUST file a complaint with the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. We’ve also asked that when filing a complaint that you copy Steve at the PTRAA office and/or Cliff Block.

This article is reprinted from the April issue of Hog Towed, PTRAA's monthly E.Mail newsletter.