May 28, 2026 / 5:16 PM EDT / CBS News

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The woman whose interaction with Florida police went viral after she was written a ticket alleging she was driving while holding her phone in her nonexistent right hand has opened up about her experience to CBS News, saying she hopes the uncomfortable situation will result in more awareness for those with limb differences.

Kathleen Thomas, 36, was driving in Lake Worth, Florida, in February when she was pulled over by a deputy from the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office. The deputy said he had seen her phone in her right hand. After confirming what he said, Thomas revealed her right arm stops at the elbow.

Thomas said she thought it was just a misunderstanding. But despite the impossibility of Thomas using her phone with her right hand while driving, the deputy ultimately wrote the ticket.

"Initially, [I thought], 'Oh, this is going to be funny, which is why I laughed,'" Thomas exclusively told CBS News. "I cackled, more like it.…