Senate approves bill letting ATV and low‑speed vehicle sellers use third‑party service centers within 40 miles

Members of the Arkansas Senate on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 94, changing requirements for new all‑terrain vehicle (ATV) and low‑speed vehicle dealers so they no longer must maintain an on‑site service center at the selling location and may instead coordinate warranty and repair service with a provider within a 40‑mile radius.

Supporters and opponents framed the bill as a balance between consumer choice and dealer responsibility. Senator Kevin Dodson, who introduced the measure on the floor, described it as “a consumer choice bill,” saying it would allow people to purchase an ATV or UTV from outlets that do not have a service bay on the same premises.

The bill’s sponsor on the floor, Senator Tom Dawson, said the change is intended to expand market options and that Arkansas is currently one of two states that prohibit dealers from locating warranty service off‑site. “This bill would require ... that they coordinate with a warranty service provider within 40 miles of the new all‑terrain vehicle…