No Right Hand, Yet Cited for "Using Right Hand to Operate Phone While Driving"... Controversy Over U.S. Police Enforcement

Born With a Disability... Police Demand, "Swear to God"

Citation Canceled After Body Cam Footage Sparks Controversy

In Florida, United States, it was reported that a woman without a right hand was stopped by police and cited for "using a mobile phone with her right hand while driving." This incident has sparked a broader debate beyond a simple policing error, raising questions about perceptions of people with disabilities and the way authorities respond to such situations.

On May 28 (local time), CBS News reported on the experience of Kayslin Thomas, a 36-year-old resident of Lake Worth, Florida, which occurred in February.

At the time, Thomas was ordered to pull over by a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office while driving. The officer informed her that she had violated traffic laws, claiming to have witnessed her operating a mobile phone with her right hand while driving.

A police officer in the United States sparked controversy by issuing a fine to a woman without a right hand for "using a mobile phone with her right hand while driving." Photo captured from CBS News YouTube channel

However, Thomas was born with a disability, with her right arm ending above the elbow. She showed her right arm to the officer at the scene and explained that she did not have a right hand, but the officer insisted on his claim and ultimately issued the citation.

Thomas told CBS News, "At first, I thought it was just a simple misunderstanding and tried to laugh it off, but as the officer continued to be suspicious even after my explanation, I felt increasingly uncomfortable."

The body camera footage released by Thomas on her social networking service (SNS) shows the officer repeatedly asking, "Did you use your right hand to operate the mobile phone?" The officer also demanded that Thomas "swear to God that you weren't using your phone," and when Thomas raised her right arm, the officer then asked her to raise her other hand.

Many online users who saw this criticized the officer's response. Some pointed out, "He did not acknowledge an obvious mistake," and called it "an inappropriate response towards a person with a disability."

Thomas was planning to appear in court to contest the citation. However, as the controversy grew, the officer himself initiated procedures to cancel the fine before the court hearing.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office also released a statement saying, "The deputy conducted the stop based on what he believed he witnessed at the time," but added, "After a full review of the situation, we determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the violation, so the citation was canceled."

Thomas stated, "I don't believe the officer acted out of malice, but I don't understand why he refused to accept my explanation in that situation," adding, "In particular, asking me to raise my hand and swear to God was not appropriate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.