If a client insists on non-conforming plans, what is the proper professional response?

• A. Comply with client
• B. Withdraw from the project
• C. Notify authorities and withdraw
• D. Continue with modifications

Answer: (C)

When a client asks for plans that do not meet applicable codes, standards, or regulations, the engineer’s responsibility is to protect public safety and uphold professional and legal duties. The proper response is to withdraw from the project and notify the appropriate authorities. This approach signals that you won’t certify or implement designs that fail to comply, and it helps bring regulatory oversight into play to prevent harm. If you simply comply, you’re endorsing unsafe or illegal work. If you withdraw alone, you remove yourself from the project but miss the chance to alert regulators who can enforce compliance. Continuing with modifications without ensuring full code compliance still risks unsafe outcomes and potential liability. Notifying authorities while withdrawing addresses both safety and regulatory obligations.