{ "dataset": "meal-breaks", "title": "Meal and rest break laws by state", "description": "Which states require meal breaks and paid rest breaks for adults, after how many hours and for how long, plus minors' break rules, for all 50 states and DC as a free CSV and JSON file.", "url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/data/meal-breaks", "publisher": "MCC Solutions", "license": { "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)", "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "attribution": "Credit \"MCC Solutions\" and link to https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/data/meal-breaks" }, "checked": "2026-11", "row_count": 51, "accuracy": "Facts come from official government pages as they read on the checked date; where no official page could be read, a few come from vetted secondary sources (Cornell LII, Justia (statute text only), FindLaw Codes, Casetext, NCSL, the Uniform Law Commission, the American Bar Association and state bar associations, legal aid networks (LawHelp.org and the state legal help sites), Nolo, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Center for State Courts, the Eviction Lab, the Tax Foundation, the Sales Tax Institute, the American Payroll Association, SHRM, ADP, Paychex, Bloomberg Tax, Thomson Reuters, Avalara and Sovos), marked \"secondary\" in source_kinds. Anything not confirmed is null and named in the row's unconfirmed list. General information, not legal or tax advice; MCC Solutions is not a law firm and we are not lawyers.", "fields": [ { "name": "jurisdiction_code", "type": "string", "meaning": "Two-letter postal code of the state or DC." }, { "name": "jurisdiction", "type": "string", "meaning": "State name (or District of Columbia)." }, { "name": "agency", "type": "string", "meaning": "State agency that enforces the break rules. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "law", "type": "string", "meaning": "Statute or rule the official source cites. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "meal.kind", "type": "string (code)", "meaning": "required, limited (only some employers), reasonable (no set minutes), or none (the state's own page says there is no rule)." }, { "name": "meal.tiers", "type": "array of objects", "meaning": "Break steps: h (hours), gt (true = more than h hours, false = h hours or more), min (minutes), replace (lengthens the previous break instead of adding one)." }, { "name": "meal.paid", "type": "string (code)", "meaning": "paid, unpaid, or unpaid_if_relieved (unpaid only if the employee is relieved of all duty)." }, { "name": "meal.text", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The meal break rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "meal.wording", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The official source's own words. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "rest.kind", "type": "string (code)", "meaning": "Same codes as meal.kind, for short rest breaks." }, { "name": "rest.tiers", "type": "array of objects", "meaning": "Rest break steps, same fields as meal.tiers." }, { "name": "rest.paid", "type": "string (code)", "meaning": "Whether required rest breaks are paid." }, { "name": "rest.text", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The rest break rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "rest.wording", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The official source's own words. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "minors.kind", "type": "string (code)", "meaning": "Same codes, for the state's separate rule for minors." }, { "name": "minors.ages", "type": "string", "meaning": "Ages the minors' rule covers." }, { "name": "minors.tiers", "type": "array of objects", "meaning": "Minors' break steps, same fields as meal.tiers." }, { "name": "minors.text", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The minors' rule in plain English. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "minors.wording", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "The official source's own words. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "waiver", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "Waivers, agreements and exceptions the official source describes. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "coverage", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "Who the rule covers or exempts. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "penalty", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "Penalty or remedy for a missed break. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "notes", "type": "string (free text)", "meaning": "Other points from the official source. Present only for jurisdictions that have their own page on the site." }, { "name": "unconfirmed", "type": "array of strings", "meaning": "Fields the official sources read did not confirm for this row. Those values are null." }, { "name": "source_urls", "type": "array of strings", "meaning": "Links to the sources (all of them for jurisdictions with their own page; the main linked source for the others)." }, { "name": "source_kinds", "type": "array of strings", "meaning": "What each link in source_urls is, in the same order: \"official\" (a government page: state agency, legislature, court, county or city) or \"secondary\" (a vetted secondary source, used only where no official page could be read: Cornell LII, Justia (statute text only), FindLaw Codes, Casetext, NCSL, the Uniform Law Commission, the American Bar Association and state bar associations, legal aid networks (LawHelp.org and the state legal help sites), Nolo, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Center for State Courts, the Eviction Lab, the Tax Foundation, the Sales Tax Institute, the American Payroll Association, SHRM, ADP, Paychex, Bloomberg Tax, Thomson Reuters, Avalara and Sovos). A fact backed only by a secondary source is shown on the site as \" (secondary source)\"." }, { "name": "checked", "type": "date (YYYY-MM-DD)", "meaning": "When the row's sources were opened (YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD). A row with no official source carries the date of the check that found none." }, { "name": "page_url", "type": "string (URL)", "meaning": "The page on mcc-solutionsnj.com that explains this row." } ], "rows": [ { "jurisdiction_code": "AL", "jurisdiction": "Alabama", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 and 15", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://adol.alabama.gov/faq/i-have-questions-about-pay-unpaid-wages-breaks-vacation-pay-fmla-etc/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "AK", "jurisdiction": "Alaska", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 through 17", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whfaq.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "AZ", "jurisdiction": "Arizona", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.azleg.gov/Briefs/Senate/LABOR%20EMPLOYMENT%20LAWS%202022.PDF" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "AR", "jurisdiction": "Arkansas", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.arkansas.gov/resources/faqs/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "CA", "jurisdiction": "California", "agency": "California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE)", "law": "Labor Code 512 and 226.7; IWC Wage Orders, section 11 (meals) and 12 (rest)", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 }, { "h": 10, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "A 30-minute meal period when the workday runs more than 5 hours, and a second one past 10 hours. Unpaid only if the employee is relieved of all duty.", "meal.wording": "may not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 3.5, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 10, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 14, "gt": true, "min": 10 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours worked or major fraction of 4 hours. None is required when the whole workday is under 3.5 hours.", "rest.wording": "a net ten consecutive minutes for each four hour work period, or major fraction thereof", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "12 to 17", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Young workers get the same breaks as adults: a 30-minute uninterrupted unpaid lunch break when working more than 5 hours a day (it can be waived when the day is no more than 6 hours) and a paid net 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (Labor Commissioner's Youth Advocate Program brochure for workers 12 to 17).", "minors.wording": "If you work more than 5 hours per day, you get a 30 minute uninterrupted lunch break (not paid)", "waiver": "The first meal period can be waived by mutual consent if the workday is no more than 6 hours; the second, if the workday is no more than 12 hours and the first wasn't waived. An on-duty meal period needs a written agreement the employee can revoke in writing at any time, and is allowed only when the work prevents relieving the employee of all duty.", "coverage": "Most non-exempt employees under the IWC wage orders. Motion pictures, health care, construction, drilling, logging and mining have variations the Labor Commissioner's pages describe.", "penalty": "One additional hour of pay at the regular rate for each workday a meal period isn't provided, and one more for each workday a rest period isn't provided. The extra hour isn't counted as hours worked for overtime.", "notes": "If the employer requires the employee to stay on the premises during a meal period, the Labor Commissioner says the period must be paid even if no work is done.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_mealperiods.htm", "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_restperiods.htm", "https://dir.ca.gov/dlse/Youth-Advocate-Brochure.pdf" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-california" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "CO", "jurisdiction": "Colorado", "agency": "Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Labor Standards and Statistics", "law": "COMPS Order #39, 7 CCR 1103-1, Rule 5", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "An uninterrupted, duty-free 30-minute meal period when the shift is longer than 5 consecutive hours, ideally at least an hour after the start and an hour before the end.", "meal.wording": "when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours.", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 2, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 10, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 14, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 18, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 22, "gt": true, "min": 10 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work or major fraction: one for a shift over 2 hours, two over 6, three over 10, four over 14.", "rest.wording": "authorize and permit a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work,", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": "When an uninterrupted meal period is impractical, the employee may eat on duty, fully paid. An employer and employee may agree to two 5-minute rest breaks instead of one 10-minute break, for a day or in a signed writing covering up to a year.", "coverage": "Most employees covered by the COMPS Order. Rule 2 exempts some workers from meal and rest rules, such as livestock haulers, combine and harvester operators while harvesting, and drivers under the federal Motor Carrier Act.", "penalty": "A rest period that isn't authorized and permitted counts as 10 minutes of unpaid wages owed, at the employee's agreed or legally required rate, whichever is higher.", "notes": "The rest-break table in Rule 5.2 runs up to six 10-minute breaks for a shift over 22 hours.", "unconfirmed": [ "minors" ], "source_urls": [ "https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/Adopted%20COMPS%20Order%20%2339%207%20CCR%201103-1%20%5Baccessible%5D.pdf" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-colorado" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "CT", "jurisdiction": "Connecticut", "agency": "Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division", "law": "Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-51ii (meal periods)", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 7.5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "A 30-minute meal period for employees who work 7½ or more consecutive hours, some time after the first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours.", "meal.wording": "½ hour at some time after first 2 hours and before last 2 hours for employees who work 7½ consecutive hours or more.", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: Connecticut isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "minors.text": "No separate meal-break rule for workers under 18: the US Department of Labor's state meal period table (revised January 1, 2023; checked November 2026) doesn't list Connecticut among the 35 jurisdictions with meal periods specifically for minors, so minors follow the adult rule.", "minors.wording": "The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors", "waiver": "US DOL table: the rule doesn't alter or impair a collective bargaining agreement in effect on July 1, 1990, and a written employer-employee agreement can provide otherwise.", "coverage": "US DOL table: excludes any employer that provides 30 or more total minutes of paid rest or meal periods within each 7½-hour work period. The Labor Commissioner may grant exemptions by regulation (public safety, single-employee duties, continuous operations, fewer than 5 employees on a shift).", "penalty": "Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-51ii: an employer that violates the meal-period rule \"may be subject to civil penalties in accordance with section 31-69a.\"", "notes": "Connecticut's rule (Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-51ii) is taken from the US DOL state meal-period table; the official statute page we opened wouldn't load the section's text.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://cga.ct.gov/2025/pub/chap_557.htm", "https://portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/wage-and-workplace-standards/wage-and-hour", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm", "https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks", "https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/2022/title-31/chapter-557/section-31-51ii/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official", "official", "secondary" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-connecticut" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "DE", "jurisdiction": "Delaware", "agency": "Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Labor Law Enforcement", "law": "19 Del. C. 707", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 7.5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid", "meal.text": "An unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes for 7.5 or more consecutive hours of work, some time after the first 2 hours and before the last 2.", "meal.wording": "an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: Delaware isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Workers under 18 get a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours of work, separate from the adult meal-break rule. The employer schedules it.", "minors.wording": "Delaware requires employers to give minors a 30-minute break after five consecutive hours of work.", "waiver": "A collective bargaining agreement or other written employer-employee agreement can provide otherwise.", "coverage": "Exceptions: public safety would be adversely affected; only one employee can do the duties of a position; fewer than 5 employees on a shift at one place of business; continuous operations where employees must respond to urgent conditions and are paid for meal periods; and certain certified school professionals working with children.", "penalty": "A civil penalty of $1,000 to $5,000 for each violation. Firing or discriminating against an employee who complains to the Department of Labor is prohibited.", "notes": "The adult rule rests on the statute itself; the minors' rule comes from the Division of Industrial Affairs, which says it applies to all workers under 18 and is separate from the adult meal-break rule.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.shtml", "https://industrialaffairs.delaware.gov/en/knowledgebase-employer/what-meal-or-rest-breaks-must-employers-provide-to-minors", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-delaware" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "DC", "jurisdiction": "District of Columbia", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/page_content/attachments/FAQs%20for%20OWH-Final.pdf" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "FL", "jurisdiction": "Florida", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "15 and under; 16 and 17 on days scheduled 8+ hours", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 4, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499%2F0450%2F0450.html" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "GA", "jurisdiction": "Georgia", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dol.georgia.gov/breaks-and-meals" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "HI", "jurisdiction": "Hawaii", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 and 15", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/breaks-meal-rest/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "ID", "jurisdiction": "Idaho", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.labor.idaho.gov/businesses/labor-laws/labor-laws-faq/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "IL", "jurisdiction": "Illinois", "agency": "Illinois Department of Labor, Fair Labor Standards Division", "law": "One Day Rest in Seven Act (820 ILCS 140); Child Labor Law (820 ILCS 205)", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 7.5, "gt": false, "min": 20 }, { "h": 12, "gt": false, "min": 20 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "A 20-minute meal break for every 7.5 hours worked, starting no later than 5 hours into the shift, plus another 20 minutes on a shift of 12 hours or more.", "meal.wording": "for every 7.5 hours worked no later than 5 hours after the start of the shift.", "rest.kind": "limited", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 7, "gt": false, "min": 15 }, { "h": 7, "gt": false, "min": 15 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "Only hotel room attendants in a county of more than three million people: at least two paid 15-minute rest breaks in each workday of at least 7 hours (US DOL table of state rest-period rules, revised January 1, 2023). The table lists no other Illinois rest-break rule, and says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "shall receive a minimum of two 15-minute paid rest break periods in each workday", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 16", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Minors under 16 get a scheduled meal period of at least 30 minutes no later than the 5th consecutive hour of work.", "minors.wording": "A scheduled meal period of at least 30 minutes shall be provided no later than the 5th consecutive hour of work.", "waiver": "The meal and day-of-rest rules don't apply where a collective bargaining agreement governs meal periods and days off; if the agreement is silent, the Act applies.", "coverage": "Employees in general, except those whose meal periods are set by a collective bargaining agreement.", "penalty": "Employers with fewer than 25 employees: up to $250 in damages to the employee per offense plus up to $250 per employee to the Department. 25 or more employees: up to $500 each. Every day without a required meal period is a separate offense.", "notes": "If an employee works through the meal break, the Department says it must be paid. Reasonable restroom breaks don't count against it.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/odrisa-faq.html", "https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/child-labor-law-compliance.html", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-illinois" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "IN", "jurisdiction": "Indiana", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005216148-Does-my-employer-have-to-give-me-a-break-during-my-work-shift" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "IA", "jurisdiction": "Iowa", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 and 15", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dial.iowa.gov/media/8870/download?inline=" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "KS", "jurisdiction": "Kansas", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "KY", "jurisdiction": "Kentucky", "agency": "Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours", "law": "KRS 337.355 (lunch), KRS 337.365 (rest)", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "A reasonable lunch period, as close to the middle of the shift as possible, starting no sooner than 3 hours and no later than 5 hours into the shift. The statute sets no length.", "meal.wording": "nor more than five (5) hours from the time his work shift commences.", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 4, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 12, "gt": false, "min": 10 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid rest period of at least 10 minutes in each 4 hours worked, separate from the lunch period.", "rest.wording": "at least ten (10) minutes during each four (4) hours worked.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Minors under 18 can't work more than 5 hours in a row without a lunch period of at least 30 minutes, and the employer records when it starts and ends.", "minors.wording": "shall not be permitted to work more than five (5) hours continuously without an interval of at least thirty (30)", "waiver": "A collective bargaining agreement or a mutual agreement between employer and employee can set the lunch period differently. For rest periods, an agreement giving at least 10 minutes for each 4 hours takes the place of the statute.", "coverage": "Employers generally, except employees under the federal Railway Labor Act.", "penalty": "KRS 337.990(10): an employer that violates the rest-period statute (KRS 337.365) \"shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100)\" and not more than $1,000. That subsection doesn't name the lunch-period statute (KRS 337.355).", "notes": "No reduction in pay is allowed for the 10-minute rest periods, for hourly or salaried employees.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=32077", "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49845", "https://elc.ky.gov/workplace-standards/Documents/KY%20Child%20Labor%20Poster%20English.pdf", "https://law.justia.com/codes/kentucky/chapter-337/section-337-990" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official", "secondary" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-kentucky" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "LA", "jurisdiction": "Louisiana", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 16", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=83835" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "ME", "jurisdiction": "Maine", "agency": "Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards", "law": "26 M.R.S. 601", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "At least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time after 6 consecutive hours of work. It can be an unpaid meal period if the employee is completely relieved of duty.", "meal.wording": "Employers must offer employees a consecutive 30-minute unpaid or paid rest break after 6 hours worked.", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No shorter rest breaks are required beyond the 30-minute break. Short breaks an employer gives must be paid.", "rest.wording": "Shorter breaks are common but not required by law.", "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "minors.text": "No separate meal-break rule for workers under 18: the US Department of Labor's state meal period table (revised January 1, 2023; checked November 2026) doesn't list Maine among the 35 jurisdictions with meal periods specifically for minors, so minors follow the adult rule.", "minors.wording": "The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors", "waiver": "The employee may waive the 30-minute break, preferably in writing; if the employer lets the employee work through it, the time is paid. A collective bargaining agreement or other written agreement can provide otherwise.", "coverage": "Doesn't apply in emergencies that endanger property, life, public safety or public health, or where fewer than 3 employees are on duty and the work allows frequent shorter paid breaks.", "penalty": "A violation is a civil violation with a forfeiture of $100 to $500 for each violation (26 MRSA section 602). Discharging or discriminating against an employee who complains carries the same forfeiture, and the Attorney General may seek an injunction.", "notes": "Maine's Department of Labor says an employer can require the 30-minute break to be taken.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html", "https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/faq/index.shtml", "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26ch7.pdf", "https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-maine" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MD", "jurisdiction": "Maryland", "agency": "Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry", "law": "Healthy Retail Employee Act; Maryland child labor law", "meal.kind": "limited", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 4, "gt": false, "min": 15 }, { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 30, "replace": true }, { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 15 }, { "h": 12, "gt": false, "min": 15 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "Only retail establishments with 50 or more retail employees must give shift breaks: 15 minutes for 4 to 6 consecutive hours, 30 minutes for more than 6, and another 15 minutes at 8 hours and each 4 hours after.", "meal.wording": "there is no law requiring an employer to provide breaks, including lunch breaks.", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No general state rest-break requirement: Maryland isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods. The retail shift breaks under the Healthy Retail Employee Act are shown under meal breaks.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Minors under 18 get a 30-minute break for every 5 hours of work.", "minors.wording": "must receive a 30 minute break for every 5 hours of work.", "waiver": "The 15-minute break for a shift under 6 hours can be waived by written agreement.", "coverage": "Retail businesses or franchises with 50 or more retail employees each working day for 20 or more calendar weeks, selling to customers in person. Not covered: employers with more than half their sales online, by mail or phone; employees under a collective bargaining agreement or policy with equal or better breaks; certain FLSA-exempt staff; government, corporate and office workers; and locations with 5 or fewer employees.", "penalty": "The Commissioner of Labor and Industry can order a civil penalty. After a prior violation within 3 years, an employee may sue in circuit court for up to three times the hourly wage, plus fees and costs.", "notes": "Maryland law doesn't say whether shift breaks are paid; the Department notes that under federal law breaks under 20 minutes are work time. Outside retail and minors, Maryland has no break law.", "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/wagepay/wpbreaks.shtml", "https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/wages/essretailfaqs.shtml", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-maryland" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MA", "jurisdiction": "Massachusetts", "agency": "Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Fair Labor Division", "law": "M.G.L. c. 149, sections 100 and 101", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "At least a 30-minute meal break for a workday of more than 6 hours. It can be unpaid if the worker is free of all duties and free to leave.", "meal.wording": "Workers have a right to at least a 30-minute meal break if they work more than six hours during a calendar day.", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: Massachusetts isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": "An employee may agree to work through the meal break, but that time must be paid. Employers may require workers to take the break.", "coverage": "US DOL table: excludes iron works, glass works, paper mills, letter press establishments, print works, and bleaching or dyeing works; the Attorney General may grant exemptions to some factories, workshops or mechanical establishments.", "penalty": "A criminal fine of $300 to $600 for an employer, superintendent, overseer or agent who violates the meal-period statute, after prosecution, per the Attorney General's 1994 advisory. Only the employee may waive the break, and coercing a waiver is itself a violation.", "notes": "Workers must be allowed to pray during their meal breaks, the Attorney General's guide says.", "unconfirmed": [ "minors" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.mass.gov/guides/breaks-and-time-off", "https://www.mass.gov/doc/guide-to-workplace-rights-and-responsibilities-0/download", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm", "https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks", "https://www.mass.gov/doc/advisory-942-an-advisory-from-the-attorney-generals-fair-labor-and-business-practices-division-on-meal-periods/download" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-massachusetts" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MI", "jurisdiction": "Michigan", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/frequently-asked-questions/wage-and-hour/breaks-meal-and-rest-periods" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MN", "jurisdiction": "Minnesota", "agency": "Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards", "law": "Minn. Stat. 177.253 and 177.254; Minn. R. 5200.0120", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "From January 1, 2026: a meal break of at least 30 minutes when working 6 or more consecutive hours. It can be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of duties.", "meal.wording": "When working six or more consecutive hours", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 4, "gt": false, "min": 15 }, { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 15 }, { "h": 12, "gt": false, "min": 15 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "From January 1, 2026: a paid rest break of at least 15 minutes, or enough time to use the nearest restroom if longer, within each 4 consecutive hours.", "rest.wording": "at least 15 minutes or enough time to use the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": null, "coverage": "Employees under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, except certain agricultural workers, bona fide executive, administrative and professional employees, and certain seasonal day camp staff.", "penalty": null, "notes": "Minnesota changed both rules on January 1, 2026. Any break under 20 minutes counts as hours worked and must be paid; employers may require employees to stay on the premises during an unpaid meal break.", "unconfirmed": [ "minors", "waiver", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.dli.mn.gov/breaks" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-minnesota" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MS", "jurisdiction": "Mississippi", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MO", "jurisdiction": "Missouri", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.mo.gov/faqs/knowledge-base/are-breaks-or-lunch-periods-required" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "MT", "jurisdiction": "Montana", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hour-payment-act/wage-and-hour-faq" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NE", "jurisdiction": "Nebraska", "meal.kind": "limited", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "unconfirmed": [ "minors", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=48-212" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NV", "jurisdiction": "Nevada", "agency": "Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner", "law": "NRS 608.019; NAC 608.145", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "A meal period of at least 30 minutes for 8 continuous hours of work.", "meal.wording": "a minimum of a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period, for a continuous 8 hours of work.", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 3.5, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 7, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 11, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 15, "gt": false, "min": 10 }, { "h": 19, "gt": false, "min": 10 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours or major fraction: one from 3.5 hours, two from 7, three from 11, four from 15, counted as hours worked.", "rest.wording": "an uninterrupted 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours of work or major fraction thereof.", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": "An employee may voluntarily agree to forgo a rest or meal period; the employer has to prove the agreement. An employer can apply to the Labor Commissioner for an exemption by showing business necessity.", "coverage": "Doesn't apply where only one person is employed at a particular place of employment, or to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.", "penalty": "NRS 608.195: violating NRS 608.005 to 608.195 (a range that includes the meal and rest rule, NRS 608.019) is a misdemeanor, and the Labor Commissioner may also impose an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation.", "notes": "Rest periods should fall in the middle of each work period where practicable.", "unconfirmed": [ "minors" ], "source_urls": [ "https://labor.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/labornvgov/content/Employer/Meals%20and%20Rest%20Periods%2011.2023.pdf", "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html", "https://codes.findlaw.com/nv/title-53-labor-and-industrial-relations/nv-rev-st-608-195/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "secondary" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-nevada" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NH", "jurisdiction": "New Hampshire", "agency": "New Hampshire Department of Labor", "law": "RSA 275:30-a", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "A half-hour lunch or eating period after 5 consecutive hours, unless the employee can eat while working and the employer allows it.", "meal.wording": "An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: New Hampshire isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": "Not required if it is feasible for the employee to eat while working and the employer permits it.", "coverage": "The statute puts the rule on employers generally; its text sets no employer-size or industry limit.", "penalty": "RSA 275:30-a sets no penalty of its own. Under RSA 275:52, an employer who wilfully fails to comply with any other requirement of chapter 275 is guilty of a misdemeanor.", "notes": null, "unconfirmed": [ "minors" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXIII/275/275-mrg.htm", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-new-hampshire" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NJ", "jurisdiction": "New Jersey", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/support/faqs/wageandhouremployerfaqs.shtml" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NM", "jurisdiction": "New Mexico", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NY", "jurisdiction": "New York", "agency": "New York State Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards", "law": "NY Labor Law 162", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "At least 30 minutes off between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a shift of more than 6 hours that spans that window (60 minutes in factories). Shifts over 6 hours that start between 1 p.m. and 6 a.m. get 45 minutes midway (60 in factories).", "meal.wording": "at least thirty minutes for the noonday meal", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: New York isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "NYSDOL's Youth Worker Information Hub tells young workers that 6 or more hours in a row earns at least one 30-minute break. It gives no separate meal rule only for workers under 18.", "minors.wording": "If you work 6 hours or more in a row, you have the right to at least one 30-minute break.", "waiver": "The Commissioner may permit a shorter meal period by a posted permit; 30 minutes is allowed as a matter of course, 20 minutes only in special cases. An employee working alone may eat on the job if they voluntarily consent, but must get an uninterrupted period on request.", "coverage": "Every person in covered establishments, including white-collar management staff.", "penalty": null, "notes": "Workers on a day that starts before 11 a.m. and runs past 7 p.m. get an additional meal period of at least 20 minutes between 5 and 7 p.m.", "unconfirmed": [ "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dol.ny.gov/ls443-guidelines-meal-periods", "https://dol.ny.gov/youthworkers", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-new-york" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "NC", "jurisdiction": "North Carolina", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 16", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/what-know-about-breaks" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "ND", "jurisdiction": "North Dakota", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "unconfirmed": [ "minors", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.nd.gov/labor/wage-and-hour-faq" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "OH", "jurisdiction": "Ohio", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://codes.ohio.gov/assets/laws/revised-code/authenticated/41/4109/4109.07/10-3-2023/4109.07-10-3-2023.pdf" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "OK", "jurisdiction": "Oklahoma", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 and 15", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": false, "min": 30 }, { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/wage-hour/faqs---wage-and-hour.html" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "OR", "jurisdiction": "Oregon", "agency": "Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)", "law": "ORS 653.261; OAR 839-020-0050", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 }, { "h": 14, "gt": false, "min": 30 }, { "h": 22, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "An unpaid 30-minute meal period for non-exempt employees working 6 or more hours, a second at 14 hours and a third at 22. Paid in full if any duties are performed.", "meal.wording": "Meal periods of at least 30 minutes must be provided to non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours in one work period.", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [ { "h": 2, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 6, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 10, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 14, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 18, "gt": true, "min": 10 }, { "h": 22, "gt": true, "min": 10 } ], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid 10-minute rest period for every 4-hour segment or major part of one: one for a shift over 2 hours, two over 6, three over 10, four over 14.", "rest.wording": "an employer-paid rest period of not less than 10 minutes for every segment of four hours", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Minors get 15-minute paid rest breaks instead of 10 for each 4 hours, and a 30-minute meal period at 6 hours. Meal period exceptions never apply to 14- and 15-year-olds.", "minors.wording": "Rest breaks for all minors are 15 minutes rather than 10.", "waiver": "Tipped food and beverage servers 18 or older may voluntarily waive the meal period in writing. Rest breaks can't be added to a meal period or taken at the start or end of a shift.", "coverage": "Non-exempt employees. An adult working alone in a retail or service business, who works under 5 hours in a 16-hour period and can leave to use the restroom, needn't get a rest break.", "penalty": null, "notes": "BOLI lists four meal period exceptions: unforeseeable circumstances, an industry custom of a paid 20- to 29-minute break, undue hardship with notice and pay, and the tipped server waiver.", "unconfirmed": [ "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/meals-and-breaks.aspx", "https://www.oregon.gov/boli/employers/pages/minor-workers.aspx" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-oregon" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "PA", "jurisdiction": "Pennsylvania", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "14 through 17", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/resources/compliance-laws-and-regulations/labor-management-relations/pennsylvania-s-minimum-wage-act/wage-faqs" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "RI", "jurisdiction": "Rhode Island", "agency": "Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Workforce Regulation and Safety", "law": "R.I. Gen. Laws 28-3-14", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 20 }, { "h": 8, "gt": false, "min": 30, "replace": true } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid", "meal.text": "A 20-minute mealtime within a 6-hour shift, or a 30-minute mealtime with an 8-hour shift. The employer doesn't have to pay for it.", "meal.wording": "All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: Rhode Island isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "minors.text": null, "minors.wording": null, "waiver": null, "coverage": "Doesn't apply to licensed health care facilities or to employers with fewer than 3 people on a shift at the worksite.", "penalty": null, "notes": "Rhode Island's DLT tells employees whose breaks aren't provided to file a wage complaint.", "unconfirmed": [ "minors", "waiver", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-3/28-3-14.htm", "https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/labor-standards/labor-standards-faq", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-rhode-island" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "SC", "jurisdiction": "South Carolina", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://llr.sc.gov/wage/faq.aspx" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "SD", "jurisdiction": "South Dakota", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dlr.sd.gov/employment_laws/work_breaks.aspx" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "TN", "jurisdiction": "Tennessee", "agency": "Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Labor Standards", "law": "Tenn. Code Ann. 50-2-103(h); 50-5-115", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid", "meal.text": "A 30-minute unpaid meal or rest period for a shift scheduled for 6 consecutive hours.", "meal.wording": "a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No breaks are required beyond the 30-minute period.", "rest.wording": "There are no state requirements for additional breaks.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Minors under 18 scheduled for 6 consecutive hours get a 30-minute unpaid break or meal period, not during or before the first hour of the day.", "minors.wording": "A minor must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid break or meal period", "waiver": "The ample-opportunity exemption and the waiver don't apply to employees under 18.", "coverage": "Doesn't apply where the nature of the workplace gives ample opportunity to rest or take a break; the Department names food service and security work as examples.", "penalty": "Not giving the 30-minute meal or rest period is a violation of state law; the Department lists no amount.", "notes": null, "unconfirmed": [], "source_urls": [ "https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employees/labor-laws/labor-laws-redirect/wages-breaks.html", "https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employees/labor-laws/labor-laws-redirect/child-labor.html" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-tennessee" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "TX", "jurisdiction": "Texas", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://efte.twc.texas.gov/d_breaks.html" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "UT", "jurisdiction": "Utah", "meal.kind": null, "meal.tiers": null, "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": null, "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": null, "unconfirmed": [ "meal", "minors", "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title34/Chapter23/C34-23_1800010118000101.pdf" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "VT", "jurisdiction": "Vermont", "meal.kind": "reasonable", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "reasonable", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "VA", "jurisdiction": "Virginia", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 16", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/virginia-labor-laws/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "WA", "jurisdiction": "Washington", "agency": "Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)", "law": "WAC 296-126-092", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "meal.paid": "unpaid_if_relieved", "meal.text": "A meal period of at least 30 minutes for a shift of more than 5 hours, starting between the 2nd and 5th hour. Unpaid only if the employee is free from all duties.", "meal.wording": "Employees must be allowed a meal period when they work more than five hours in a shift.", "rest.kind": "required", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": "paid", "rest.text": "A paid rest period of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked, and no more than 3 hours of work without one.", "rest.wording": "Employees must be allowed a paid rest period, free from duties, of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 5, "gt": true, "min": 30 } ], "minors.text": "Under 16: a 30-minute meal break by the 4th hour and a paid 10-minute break at least every 2 hours. 16 and 17: a 30-minute meal break by the 5th hour and a paid 10-minute break every 3 hours.", "minors.wording": "Minors under the age of 16 must receive at least a 10-minute paid rest break.", "waiver": "Employees can waive the meal period if they and the employer agree. Rest breaks cannot be waived.", "coverage": "Most employees. Minors and agricultural workers have their own standards, and some health care workers have separate meal and rest rules.", "penalty": null, "notes": "L&I says the entire meal period must be paid if the employee is called back to work, however many interruptions there are.", "unconfirmed": [ "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/workplace-policies/rest-breaks-meal-periods-and-schedules", "https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/youth-employment/wages-rest-breaks-and-meal-periods" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-washington" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "WV", "jurisdiction": "West Virginia", "agency": "West Virginia Division of Labor", "law": "W. Va. Code 21-3-10a", "meal.kind": "required", "meal.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 20 } ], "meal.paid": null, "meal.text": "At least 20 minutes for a meal break in a workday of 6 or more hours, unless the employee already gets a lunch or break period or may eat while working.", "meal.wording": "at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer.", "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "rest.text": "No state rest-break requirement: West Virginia isn't in the US DOL table of state paid rest-period rules (revised January 1, 2023), which says states not listed don't require paid rest periods.", "rest.wording": "States not listed do not require paid rest periods.", "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "16 and 17", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 20 } ], "minors.text": "16- and 17-year-olds get the same meal break as adults: at least 20 minutes after 6 or more hours.", "minors.wording": "a minimum of twenty minutes after working six or more hours in one day or shift.", "waiver": "Doesn't apply where the employee already has a lunch or break period or is allowed to eat while working.", "coverage": "Every employer, per the US DOL table: \"Meal period is required where employees are not afforded necessary breaks\" or permission to eat while working.", "penalty": null, "notes": "The Division of Labor says a meal or rest break of 20 minutes or less must be paid; a meal period of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid at the employer's discretion.", "unconfirmed": [ "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/", "https://labor.wv.gov/media/84/download?inline=", "https://labor.wv.gov/media/94/download?inline=", "https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/rest.htm", "https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks" ], "source_kinds": [ "official", "official", "official", "official", "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-break-laws-west-virginia" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "WI", "jurisdiction": "Wisconsin", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "required", "minors.ages": "under 18", "minors.tiers": [ { "h": 6, "gt": false, "min": 30 } ], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/breaks.htm" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" }, { "jurisdiction_code": "WY", "jurisdiction": "Wyoming", "meal.kind": "none", "meal.tiers": [], "meal.paid": null, "rest.kind": "none", "rest.tiers": [], "rest.paid": null, "minors.kind": "none", "minors.ages": null, "minors.tiers": [], "unconfirmed": [ "waiver", "coverage", "penalty" ], "source_urls": [ "https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/employers/faq/" ], "source_kinds": [ "official" ], "checked": "2026-11", "page_url": "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/bookkeeping/meal-and-rest-break-laws-by-state" } ] }