Index

Colorado Meal Period Law

Summary

Employers must provide an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period for shifts exceeding 5 consecutive hours, paid if on duty.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period when working a shift that exceeds 5 consecutive hours.
  • 02.
    This meal period must be paid if you are required to remain on duty or on the premises during the break.
  • 03.
    You cannot be required to perform any duties during your meal period.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Employees can recover unpaid wages or compensation for denied paid meal periods.
  • 02.
    Employers may face civil penalties for violations under the Colorado Wage Act.

Verified Citations

Colorado Minimum Wage Order (MWO) 38, Rule 5.1

Source
"Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period when the work period exceeds 5 consecutive hours. Such meal period shall be paid if the employee is not relieved of all duties and responsibilities for the entire 30 minutes."

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment: Wage and Hour Laws

Source
"Employers must provide employees with an uninterrupted 30-minute meal period when the work period exceeds 5 consecutive hours. This meal period must be paid if the employee is not relieved of all duties for the entire 30 minutes."