The unauthorized modification and/or fabrication of Department vehicles and equipment may cause serious injury to an operator or bystanders. Damage or the potential loss of a valuable piece of equipment could result. Additionally, modifications and/or improper installation of after-market components may result in the loss of warranty as well as expose the Department to product liability.
A modification is defined as components, accessories, or other items installed on a vehicle or equipment which was not in place at time of delivery from the manufacturer. Examples of modifications include but are not limited to additions of after-market items such as tinted windows, polished aluminum or chrome accessories, running boards, grab handles, radios, bed liners, specialty wheels or tires, bug guards, and window deflectors. Items which are welded or bolted to the equipment to change or modify its intended use are considered modifications. In addition, removing or disabling manufacturer or vendor installed equipment, accessories, safety features, components and/or other items is deemed a modification of vehicles and equipment.
The fabrication of equipment is defined as equipment which is assembled by Department personnel using parts from warehouse inventory items or purchased materials. Examples are trailers, mowers, lifting equipment and attenuators.
It shall be Department Policy that no modifications, alterations or fabrication of vehicles and equipment will be performed by GDOT personnel or a private vendor without a written request being sent to the Office of Equipment Management for approval. This request should include the appropriate District Engineer or Office Head and District Safety Officer or State Safety Officer (depending on location) recommendation for approval of the modification. This policy shall not prevent the routine installation of across the bed tool boxes, Department approved safety equipment, fuel tanks, rubber bed mats or strobe lights by GDOT shops. A work order shall be opened for these installations with notes made in the comments section of the work order indicating what work was performed.
Authored by the Office of Equipment Management, 770-484-3201
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