A routine traffic operation turned unusual last month when Fort Myers police pulled over a driver traveling at just 12 mph in a 45 mph zone.
The driver was watching YouTube on her phone and driving alone with only a learner’s license.
Body camera video released by the Fort Myers Police Department on Friday to Gulf Coast News shows an officer conducting a traffic stop on May 28 during a speed enforcement operation near State Road 82 and Colonial Boulevard. However, this driver wasn't cited for speeding.
“You’re doing 14 miles an hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone. And the left lane. That is extremely dangerous,” Officer Ryan Hernandez-Byner told the driver, later confirming she was actually traveling at 12 mph. “If you’re going to be going slow, you need to be in the right lane.”
Moments later, the officer noticed something even more concerning.
“Also, why are you watching TV on your phone right now?” he asked.
The situation escalated further when Byner discovered the woman was only in possession of a learner’s license and driving alone — a clear violation of Florida law.
“You’re not allowed to drive by yourself with a learner’s license,” he said.
Drivers familiar with the busy road expressed concern after learning about the traffic stop.
“I think they should have an adult in the car and be taught how to drive before they actually get on the road in their own car,” said Ryan DiVincenzo of Lehigh Acres.
When questioned about her erratic driving, the woman told the officer she wasn’t feeling well.
“That’s not an excuse,” said Boris Najarro of Fort Myers. “Going too slow or too fast, either way it's dangerous.”
“If you’re sick, you shouldn’t be driving,” added Mark Castro from Cape Coral.
The woman was issued two citations — one for impeding traffic and another for violating the terms of her learner’s license.
“We have a lot of crashes out here,” Byner said. “Most of it's because of people exceeding the speed limit. But going lower than the speed limit is equally as dangerous.”
Fort Myers police say the incident underscores the need for both speed enforcement and safe, lawful driving behavior, regardless of how fast or slow someone is going.
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