Index
California Meal Period Law (5+ hours)
Summary
Employers must provide an uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal period for employees working more than 5 hours.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Right to an uninterrupted 30-minute meal break if working more than 5 hours. This break can be unpaid if you are relieved of all duties.
- 02.Right to a second 30-minute meal break if working more than 10 hours. This break can also be unpaid if you are relieved of all duties.
- 03.Your employer cannot require you to work during your designated meal period.
Penalties
- 01.One additional hour of pay at the employee's regular rate of pay for each workday that a meal period is not provided or is interrupted.
- 02.Potential civil penalties for repeated or willful violations by the employer.
Verified Citations
California Labor Code Section 512
Source"(a) An employer shall not require an employee to work during any meal or rest period mandated by an applicable order of the Industrial Welfare Commission."
California DLSE: Meal Periods
Source"An employee is entitled to an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period when they work more than five hours in a day. If an employee works more than ten hours in a day, they are entitled to a second uninterrupted 30-minute meal period."