Yesterday in a parking lot, I witnessed a heated argument. A woman was yelling at a guy that he needed to move his car immediately because he was parked in a purple parking space. The guy said he knew what he was doing and had the right to park there, but the woman kept insisting. I had to leave because I was with my kids, but what was that about? Who are the people who can park in purple parking spaces?

## Why the Man Might Have Said He Had the Right

The man’s response in the parking-lot argument is particularly interesting.

He reportedly said he knew what he was doing and had the right to park there.

That could mean several things.

Perhaps he had a valid permit.

Maybe he was authorized by the property owner.

Perhaps the space was reserved for a group to which he belonged.

Or perhaps he simply believed the space was available to him.

Without seeing the sign, no one watching the argument could know.

And that’s an important lesson.

Sometimes someone who appears to be violating a parking rule may actually have permission that isn’t obvious from a distance.

For example, a permit might be displayed inside the windshield.

A digital authorization could be associated with the vehicle’s license plate.

Or the person could have received special permission from the property.