A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Arkansas, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 2, Chapter 44 (Mechanics' and Materialmen's Liens), a mechanic who has furnished labor, services, material, or storage for repairing a vehicle may assert a lien against that vehicle for the reasonable value of such labor and materials. The lien gives the mechanic the right to retain possession of the vehicle until the debt is paid. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt, the mechanic may enforce the lien through a sale of the vehicle after proper notice and in accordance with the law. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand the specific requirements and procedures for perfecting and enforcing a mechanic's lien in Arkansas, which may include filing a claim with the appropriate local authority and providing notice to the vehicle owner.