Photo: screenshot from official website of Fangchenggang municipal government

Fangchenggang in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region issued an official statement on Saturday detailing disciplinary measures against a couple of people in a widely followed case involving a female driver who flashed her firefighter husband's credential during a traffic dispute.

The case gained widespread attention after multiple videos circulated online since July 31, 2025, including clips showing a female driver displaying a credential on a rural road and a Mercedes driver flashing what appeared to be an official badge to demand right of way. Fangchenggang authorities responded by setting up an investigation team to verify the facts.

According to the statement released on the Fangchenggang municipal government's website, the driver, surnamed Hou, an employee of an auto parts company in Qinzhou, was found to have misused the administrative law enforcement certificate of her husband, surnamed Li. 

Her actions violated the Law of the People's Republic of China on Penalties for Administration of Public Security and generated "serious adverse social impact." Fangcheng district police of the Fangchenggang city imposed a five-day administrative detention on Hou, which has already been carried out.

Li, a second-class firefighter at a township rescue station in Shangsi county, was punished for failing to properly safeguard his credential and violating the work discipline, which led to his credential to be misused by his spouse. 

Authorities said investigations found no evidence that Li used his professional position to interfere in the case and noted his "cooperative and sincere attitude." Guangxi's fire and rescue department issued him a Party warning, while the regional justice department revoked his administrative law enforcement certificate.

Local authorities stressed in the statement that "based on thorough investigations and in line with relevant regulations, responsible departments have taken strict action against those accountable."

Several officials were also disciplined for lapses in handling the case. Police officer Yang from the Jiangshan border police station was criticized for "unclear communication" during the July 31 incident, which caused misunderstandings. Another officer, Wang, was issued a Party warning for errors in preparing legal documents in Hou's case, according to the statement. 

Huang, head of the legal affairs unit of the Fangcheng branch, received an admonition for lax review of legal documents. Tang, deputy head of the branch, was given a Party warning for failing to fulfill leadership duties and ensure proper coordination. Xiao, head of the Fangcheng border police battalion, was held accountable for insufficient supervision and ordered to submit a written inspection. Wei, deputy head of Fangcheng district government and chief of the Fangcheng branch, was similarly criticized for inadequate oversight and required to submit a written reflection report, said the statement.

Earlier, the Fangchenggang public security bureau had also criticized a publicity department staff member for mishandling media inquiries and ordered a written inspection.

"The incident has exposed shortcomings in our timely and proactive response to public concerns, in resolving disputes precisely and effectively, and in strengthening strict management of cadres," the bureau acknowledged. It added that public security, border management, and fire rescue units have submitted written reflection report to their Party committees and drawn up rectification measures.

"We will take these lessons seriously, improve rectification efforts, strengthen discipline and capacity, and enhance our ability to handle cases according to law, resolve disputes, and serve the people," according to the statement.

Global Times