A Florida influencer has spoken out after a traffic ticket she received for using her “right hand” while driving was dismissed, despite her not having a right hand. Katie, known online as “Slightlyoff.balance,” is an adaptive athlete who documents her life with a limb difference. She went viral after sharing details of the incident on social media.
The Incident
She was pulled over earlier this year in February by a Florida police officer while driving along North Dixie Highway. According to police body camera footage, the officer said he believed she was holding a mobile phone in her “right hand” while behind the wheel. However, Katie does not have a right hand.
Despite her explanation, she was issued a citation for “Wireless Comm. Device/Handheld While Driving – First Offense” under Florida Statute 316.305(3)(a), carrying a civil penalty of $116.
Going Viral
The incident went viral online after Katie posted a video on TikTok describing what happened. She said she had been stopped for using her “right hand,” and responded by showing her limb difference. Many social media users encouraged her to challenge the ticket.
She later pleaded not guilty in court and continued sharing updates about her case. A hearing was scheduled for May 27.
Body Camera Footage
Ahead of that appearance, Katie uploaded the body-camera footage she had requested. In the video, the officer tells her she was pulled over for holding a phone while driving. Katie responds by lifting her right arm and saying, “Obviously not,” before adding, “So you wanna just call this a day?”
However, the officer insists he saw her using a phone and continues questioning her about it. At one point, he asks her to put a “hand to God,” to which she raises her right arm. The officer replies, “The other hand to God.” He then proceeds with checks on her licence and registration before issuing the citation.
Case Dismissed
The officer later requested that the citation be dismissed before the court hearing. Katie later confirmed that the case had been dropped due to “lack of evidence.”
