When we moved into our new home, our neighbor immediately took issue with our parking. Despite no rule limiting cars, she insisted, “There should only be one.” Soon after, we found a note on our windshield ordering us to move our “extra” car—or else.

We ignored it, since both cars were legally parked. But three days later, we awoke to the sound of tow trucks outside. Our neighbor stood there with a grin as our vehicles were being hooked up. “Maybe now you’ll listen when someone tells you the rules,” she said smugly.

I couldn’t help but laugh. When she asked why, I explained she’d just made a costly mistake. Both cars had government-issued permit tags for specialty vehicles. “Illegally towing them carries heavy penalties—up to $25,000,” I told her. Since she had reported the cars, she was liable.

The tow truck drivers immediately realized the error and released our vehicles. Her face went pale as she whispered, “I didn’t know…” I replied, “Maybe next time you’ll think twice before making up your own rules.”

Since then, she’s stayed silent and avoids us completely—a reminder that arrogance often brings its own punishment.