{"attribution":{"name":"InterObservers Employer Desk","url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/"},"license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","applies_to":"The compilation: selection, structure, summaries and field names, by InterObservers Employer Desk.","official_sources":"Quoted statutes and agency text are reproduced verbatim from official government sources and remain the works of those governments. U.S. federal government works are in the public domain; state and local government material is quoted for reference with a link to the source.","attribution_required":"Credit \"InterObservers Employer Desk\" with a link to https://interobservers.com/desk/."},"disclaimer":"General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the official source linked.","generated_at":"2026-09-24T23:28:24Z","api_version":"1.0.0","topic":"meal_break","name":"Meal breaks","page_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/laws/break-laws-by-state/","api_url":"https://interobservers.com/api/v1/rules/meal_break.json","counts":{"states":51,"states_verified":28},"states":[{"state":"AL","name":"Alabama","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/alabama/","records":[{"state":"AL","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"AK","name":"Alaska","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/alaska/","records":[{"state":"AK","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for employees 18 and over in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Of the 21 States or other jurisdictions with meal period requirements, 7 States also have rest periods requirements (California, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington).","second_source_url":"https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whfaq.htm","second_source_quote":"Employers are not required to give breaks for employees 18 and over.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"AZ","name":"Arizona","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/arizona/","records":[{"state":"AZ","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"AR","name":"Arkansas","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/arkansas/","records":[{"state":"AR","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"CA","name":"California","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/california/","records":[{"state":"CA","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"An employee working more than 5 hours per day must get a meal period of at least 30 minutes (½ hour); it may be waived by mutual consent if the workday is no more than 6 hours.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":5,"waiver_if_workday_max_hours":6},"law":"California Labor Code section 512 and IWC Orders (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"½ hour, if work is for more than 5 hours per day, except when workday will be completed in 6 hours or less and there is mutual employer/employee consent to waive meal period.","second_source_url":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512","second_source_quote":"An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"CA","topic":"meal_break","case":"second_meal_period","rule":"An employee working more than 10 hours per day must get a second meal period of at least 30 minutes; it may be waived by mutual consent if total hours are no more than 12 and the first meal period was not waived.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":10,"waiver_if_total_hours_max":12},"law":"California Labor Code section 512 (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"An employer may not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and employee only if the first meal period was not waived.","second_source_url":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512","second_source_quote":"An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee only if the first meal period was not waived.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"CO","name":"Colorado","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/colorado/","records":[{"state":"CO","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Employees are entitled to an uninterrupted, duty-free meal period of at least 30 minutes (½ hour) when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours; when an uninterrupted meal period is impractical, an on-duty meal must be allowed and fully compensated.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":5},"law":"Colorado administratively issued Wage Order / COMPS (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Colorado ½ hour if work shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. On-duty meal period counted as time worked and permitted when nature of work prevents relief from all duties.","second_source_url":"https://www.coloradosos.gov/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=12406&fileName=7+CCR+1103-1","second_source_quote":"Meal Periods. Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"CT","name":"Connecticut","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/connecticut/","records":[{"state":"CT","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"DE","name":"Delaware","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/delaware/","records":[{"state":"DE","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Employees who work 7½ consecutive hours or more must get an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes (½ hour), given after the first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours of work.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_first_hours":2,"before_last_hours":2},"law":"19 Del. C. § 707 (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Delaware ½ hour, at some time, after first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours, for employees who work 7½ consecutive hours or more.","second_source_url":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.html","second_source_quote":"An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours. The meal break must be given some time after the first 2 hours of work and before the last 2 hours.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"DC","name":"District of Columbia","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/district-of-columbia/","records":[{"state":"DC","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"FL","name":"Florida","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/florida/","records":[{"state":"FL","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"GA","name":"Georgia","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/georgia/","records":[{"state":"GA","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment in Georgia.","values":{},"law":"Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (U.S. DOL WHD table, January 1, 2023)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://dol.georgia.gov/faqs-individuals/individuals-faqs-fair-labor-standards-act","second_source_quote":"Neither the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) nor Georgia law requires breaks or meal periods be given to workers.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"HI","name":"Hawaii","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/hawaii/","records":[{"state":"HI","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in Hawaii; the only break requirement applies to minors aged fourteen or fifteen.","values":{},"law":"Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (U.S. DOL WHD table, January 1, 2023)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"1/ The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors (when minors are covered by two provisions, employer must observe the higher standard): Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Guam, and Puerto Rico.","second_source_url":"https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/breaks-meal-rest/","second_source_quote":"In Hawaii, the only requirement for breaks is found in the Hawaii Child Labor Law under Section 390-2(c)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes, which requires that employers provide to minors fourteen or fifteen years of age a thirty minute rest or meal period after five consecutive hours of work. There is no law that requires rest or meal breaks for other employees.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"ID","name":"Idaho","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/idaho/","records":[{"state":"ID","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"IL","name":"Illinois","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/illinois/","records":[{"state":"IL","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Employees who work 7.5 continuous hours or more must get a meal period of at least 20 minutes, beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period, plus an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4.5 continuous hours worked.","values":{"meal_minutes":20,"latest_start_after_hours":5,"shift_threshold":"7.5 continuous hours or more"},"law":"Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (U.S. DOL WHD table, January 1, 2023)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"At least 20 minutes, no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period, to employees who work 7 ½ continuous hours or more.","second_source_url":"https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/odrisa.html","second_source_quote":"Employees must also be given a meal period of at least 20 minutes for every 7.5-hour shift beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the shift, with an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4.5 continuous hours worked.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"IL","topic":"meal_break","case":"hotel_room_attendants_cook_county","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"IN","name":"Indiana","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/indiana/","records":[{"state":"IN","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment in Indiana; Indiana's break rules apply to minors only.","values":{},"law":"Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (U.S. DOL WHD table, January 1, 2023)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"1/ The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors (when minors are covered by two provisions, employer must observe the higher standard): Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Guam, and Puerto Rico.","second_source_url":"https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005044387-Is-there-any-information-regarding-Indiana-lunch-or-breaks-laws","second_source_quote":"In general, Indiana law does not require employers to provide adult employees lunch breaks or other breaks.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"IA","name":"Iowa","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/iowa/","records":[{"state":"IA","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment in Iowa.","values":{},"law":"Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (U.S. DOL WHD table, January 1, 2023)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"1/ The following 35 jurisdictions also have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors (when minors are covered by two provisions, employer must observe the higher standard): Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Guam, and Puerto Rico.","second_source_url":"https://dial.iowa.gov/hearings/wage-and-child-labor/wages","second_source_quote":"Iowa has no laws mandating meal breaks for adults.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"KS","name":"Kansas","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/kansas/","records":[{"state":"KS","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"KY","name":"Kentucky","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/kentucky/","records":[{"state":"KY","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"LA","name":"Louisiana","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/louisiana/","records":[{"state":"LA","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"ME","name":"Maine","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/maine/","records":[{"state":"ME","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Unless a collective bargaining or other written employer-employee agreement provides otherwise, an employee may not work more than 6 consecutive hours without the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in emergencies; it may be unpaid only if the employee is completely relieved of duty. Some small workplaces are exempt.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":6},"law":"Maine statute (DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Maine\t30 minutes after 6 consecutive hours, except in cases of emergency.","second_source_url":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html","second_source_quote":"In the absence of a collective bargaining agreement or other written employer-employee agreement providing otherwise, an employee, as defined in section 663, may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"MD","name":"Maryland","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/maryland/","records":[{"state":"MD","topic":"meal_break","case":"retail_4_to_6_hours","rule":"Covered large retail employers (see notes) must provide a nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for 4 to 6 consecutive hours worked.","values":{"break_minutes":15,"min_hours_worked":4,"max_hours_worked":6},"law":"Maryland Healthy Retail Employee Act (DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"15 minute break for 4-6 consecutive hours or a 30 minute break for more than 6 consecutive hours.","second_source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710","second_source_quote":"(i) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection or subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, an employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for 4 to 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"MD","topic":"meal_break","case":"retail_8_plus_hours_additional","rule":"If a covered retail employee works 8 consecutive hours, the employer must provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours worked.","values":{"additional_break_minutes":15,"from_hours_worked":8,"per_additional_hours_worked":4},"law":"Maryland Healthy Retail Employee Act (DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"If an employee works 8 or more consecutive hours, the employer must provide a 30-minute break and an additional 15 minute break for every additional 4 consecutive hours worked.","second_source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710","second_source_quote":"(3) If an employee works 8 consecutive hours in a single shift, the employer shall provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours the employer employs the employee in the shift.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"MD","topic":"meal_break","case":"retail_over_6_hours","rule":"Covered retail employers must provide a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes for more than 6 consecutive hours worked.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":6},"law":"Maryland Healthy Retail Employee Act (DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"15 minute break for 4-6 consecutive hours or a 30 minute break for more than 6 consecutive hours.","second_source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710","second_source_quote":"(2) An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"MA","name":"Massachusetts","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/massachusetts/","records":[{"state":"MA","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"MI","name":"Michigan","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/michigan/","records":[{"state":"MI","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"MN","name":"Minnesota","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/minnesota/","records":[{"state":"MN","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"MS","name":"Mississippi","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/mississippi/","records":[{"state":"MS","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"MO","name":"Missouri","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/missouri/","records":[{"state":"MO","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"MT","name":"Montana","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/montana/","records":[{"state":"MT","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law (Montana not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hour-payment-act/hours-worked","second_source_quote":"There is not a federal or Montana state law that requires an employer furnish a meal break","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"NE","name":"Nebraska","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/nebraska/","records":[{"state":"NE","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"NV","name":"Nevada","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/nevada/","records":[{"state":"NV","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"NH","name":"New Hampshire","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/new-hampshire/","records":[{"state":"NH","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"NJ","name":"New Jersey","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/new-jersey/","records":[{"state":"NJ","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees; the mandatory break law applies only to minors under the age of 18.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law (New Jersey not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/support/faqs/wageandhouremployerfaqs.shtml","second_source_quote":"The mandatory break law only applies to minors under the age of 18. Minors must be given a thirty (30) minute meal period after five (5) consecutive hours of work. Company policy dictates break and lunch periods for anyone over the age of 18.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"NM","name":"New Mexico","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/new-mexico/","records":[{"state":"NM","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"NY","name":"New York","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/new-york/","records":[{"state":"NY","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Outside factories, employees who work a shift of more than 6 hours extending over the noonday meal period get at least 30 minutes off for the meal.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"shift_more_than_hours":6},"law":"New York statute (U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"30 minute noonday period for employees who work shifts of more than 6 hours that extend over the noon day meal period.","second_source_url":"https://forms.labor.ny.gov/WP/LS443.pdf","second_source_quote":"An employee who works a shift of more than six hours, which extends over the noonday meal period, is entitled to at least thirty minutes off within that period for the meal period.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"NY","topic":"meal_break","case":"additional_evening_meal","rule":"Employees on a shift starting before 11 a.m. and continuing later than 7 p.m. must be allowed an additional meal period of at least 20 minutes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.","values":{"meal_minutes":20},"law":"New York statute (U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"An additional 20 minutes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for those employed on a shift starting before 11 a.m. and continuing after 7 p.m.","second_source_url":"https://forms.labor.ny.gov/WP/LS443.pdf","second_source_quote":"Every person employed for a period or shift starting before eleven o’clock in the morning and continuing later than seven o’clock in the evening shall be allowed an additional meal period of at least twenty minutes between five and seven o’clock in the evening.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"NY","topic":"meal_break","case":"factories","rule":"Factories: 1 hour (sixty minutes) noon-day meal period.","values":{"meal_minutes":60},"law":"New York statute (U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"New York 1 hour noon-day period Statute Factories","second_source_url":"https://forms.labor.ny.gov/WP/LS443.pdf","second_source_quote":"Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noonday meal.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"NY","topic":"meal_break","case":"night_shift","rule":"For those employed more than a 6-hour period starting between 1 p.m. and 6 a.m.: 1 hour in factories, 45 minutes in other establishments, midway in the shift.","values":{"factory_meal_minutes":60,"other_meal_minutes":45,"period_more_than_hours":6},"law":"New York statute (U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"1 hour in factories, 45 minutes in other establishments, midway in shift, for those employed more than a 6-hour period starting between 1 p.m. and 6 a.m.","second_source_url":"https://forms.labor.ny.gov/WP/LS443.pdf","second_source_quote":"Every person employed for a period or shift of more than six hours starting between the hours of one o’clock in the afternoon and six o’clock in the morning, shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for a meal period when employed in or in connection with a factory, and forty-five minutes for a meal period when employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provision of this chapter, at a time midway between the beginning and end of such employment.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"NC","name":"North Carolina","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/north-carolina/","records":[{"state":"NC","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for employees 16 years of age or older.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law (North Carolina not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/what-know-about-breaks","second_source_quote":"Again, there are no required rest breaks or meal breaks at all for employees 16 years of age or older.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"ND","name":"North Dakota","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/north-dakota/","records":[{"state":"ND","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"A ½ hour (30-minute) meal period on each shift exceeding 5 hours when 2 or more employees are on duty; unpaid if completely relieved of duties; employees may waive it by agreement.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"shift_exceeding_hours":5},"law":"ND Minimum Wage and Work Conditions Order (U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"North Dakota ½ hour, if desired, on each shift exceeding 5 hours.","second_source_url":"https://www.nd.gov/labor/wage-and-hour-faq","second_source_quote":"A minimum 30-minute break must be provided in each shift exceeding 5 hours when 2 or more employees are on duty.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"OH","name":"Ohio","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/ohio/","records":[{"state":"OH","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"OK","name":"Oklahoma","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/oklahoma/","records":[{"state":"OK","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements Under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/wage-hour/faqs---wage-and-hour.html","second_source_quote":"Neither federal nor state law requires employers to provide breaks to employees that are 16 or older.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"OR","name":"Oregon","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/oregon/","records":[{"state":"OR","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Oregon employers must give a ½ hour (30-minute) meal period, relieved of all duty, to non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours in a work period.","values":{"meal_hours":0.5,"after_hours_worked":6},"law":"Administrative (Oregon), per U.S. DOL WHD meal period table","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"½ hour, with relief from all duty, for each work period of 6 to 8 hours, between 2nd and 5th hour for work period of 7 hours or less and between 3rd and 6th hour for work period over 7 hours","second_source_url":"https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/meals-and-breaks.aspx","second_source_quote":"Meal periods of at least 30 minutes must be provided to non-exempt employees who work 6 or more hours in one work period. No meal period is required if the work period is less than 6 hours. Additional meal periods are required to be provided to employees who work 14 hours or more in a shift.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"PA","name":"Pennsylvania","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/pennsylvania/","records":[{"state":"PA","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No general state meal break requirement for adult employees (18 and over) in private employment; separate rules apply to minors and to seasonal farm workers.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements Under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/resources/compliance-laws-and-regulations/labor-management-relations/pennsylvania-s-minimum-wage-act/wage-faqs","second_source_quote":"Employers are not required to give breaks for employees 18 and over.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"PA","topic":"meal_break","case":"seasonal_farm_workers","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"RI","name":"Rhode Island","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/rhode-island/","records":[{"state":"RI","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"SC","name":"South Carolina","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/south-carolina/","records":[{"state":"SC","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"SD","name":"South Dakota","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/south-dakota/","records":[{"state":"SD","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD, Meal Period Requirements Under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://dlr.sd.gov/employment_laws/work_breaks.aspx","second_source_quote":"South Dakota does not have a law requiring an employer to provide rest breaks and meal periods.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"TN","name":"Tennessee","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/tennessee/","records":[{"state":"TN","topic":"meal_break","status":"no_verified_answer","message":"No verified answer. Check the official source.","check_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks"}]},{"state":"TX","name":"Texas","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/texas/","records":[{"state":"TX","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD table of state meal period requirements (Texas not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://efte.twc.texas.gov/d_breaks.html","second_source_quote":"neither the FLSA nor Texas law requires employers to give breaks during the workday","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"UT","name":"Utah","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/utah/","records":[{"state":"UT","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD table of state meal period requirements (Utah not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/utah-antidiscrimination-and-labor-uald/wage-claim/","second_source_quote":"There are no state or federal laws that require an employer to provide lunch breaks or rest periods for adult workers.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"VT","name":"Vermont","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/vermont/","records":[{"state":"VT","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Employers must give employees reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and use toilet facilities; no fixed length is set.","values":{},"law":"21 V.S.A. § 304 (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Vermont\tEmployees are to be given \"reasonable opportunities\" during work periods to eat and use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.\t21V.S.A. Section 304\tUniversal application","second_source_url":"https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304","second_source_quote":"An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"VA","name":"Virginia","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/virginia/","records":[{"state":"VA","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD table of state meal period requirements (Virginia not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/virginia-labor-laws/","second_source_quote":"Does an employer have to provide employees breaks or a meal period?\nNo, unless the employee is under the age of 16.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"WA","name":"Washington","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/washington/","records":[{"state":"WA","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"Employees must be allowed a meal period of at least 30 minutes (½ hour) when working more than 5 consecutive hours, starting no less than 2 hours nor more than 5 hours from the beginning of the shift; it is paid time if the employee must remain on duty.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"after_hours_worked":5,"starts_no_earlier_than_hours":2,"starts_no_later_than_hours":5},"law":"WAC 296-126-092 (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"½ hour, if work period is more than 5 consecutive hours, to be given not less than 2 hours nor more than 5 hours from beginning of shift. Counted as worktime if employee is required to remain on duty on premises or at a prescribed worksite. Additional ½ hour, before or during overtime, for employees working 3 or more hours beyond regular workday.","second_source_url":"https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092","second_source_quote":"(1) Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift. Meal periods shall be on the employer's time when the employee is required by the employer to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the employer.\n(2) No employee shall be required to work more than five consecutive hours without a meal period.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"},{"state":"WA","topic":"meal_break","case":"overtime_additional_meal","rule":"Employees working 3 or more hours beyond a normal workday must be allowed an additional 30-minute (½ hour) meal period before or during the overtime.","values":{"meal_minutes":30,"hours_beyond_normal_workday":3},"law":"WAC 296-126-092 (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Additional ½ hour, before or during overtime, for employees working 3 or more hours beyond regular workday.","second_source_url":"https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092","second_source_quote":"(3) Employees working three or more hours longer than a normal work day shall be allowed at least one thirty-minute meal period prior to or during the overtime period.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"WV","name":"West Virginia","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/west-virginia/","records":[{"state":"WV","topic":"meal_break","case":"standard","rule":"During a workday of 6 or more hours, employers must make available at least 20 minutes for meal breaks, where employees are not afforded necessary breaks and/or permitted to eat lunch while working.","values":{"meal_minutes":20,"after_hours_worked":6},"law":"W. Va. Code § 21-3-10a (U.S. DOL WHD meal period table)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"West Virginia\t20 minutes for employees who work 6 hours or more in a workday.\tStatute\tApplicable to every employer. Meal period is required where employees are not afforded necessary breaks and/or permitted to eat lunch while working.","second_source_url":"https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/","second_source_quote":"During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"WI","name":"Wisconsin","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/wisconsin/","records":[{"state":"WI","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No general meal break requirement for employees 18 or older; by regulation the state recommends (does not require) a ½ hour meal period after 6 consecutive hours in factories, mechanical and mercantile establishments and certain service industries. Separate rules apply to minors and to migrant workers.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD table of state meal period requirements (footnote 2, Wisconsin)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Wisconsin . By regulation, the recommended standard is ½ hour after 6 consecutive hours' work in factories, mechanical and mercantile establishments and certain service industries, to be given reasonably close to usual meal time or near middle of shift.","second_source_url":"https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/breaks.htm","second_source_quote":"No. If you are 18 years old or older, your employer is not required to give you breaks or meal periods.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]},{"state":"WY","name":"Wyoming","rulebook_url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/states/wyoming/","records":[{"state":"WY","topic":"meal_break","case":"no_state_requirement","rule":"No state meal break requirement for adult employees in private employment.","values":{},"law":"U.S. DOL WHD table of state meal period requirements (Wyoming not listed)","source_url":"https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","source_quote":"Table of Meal Period Requirements Under State Law For Adult Employees in Private Sector","second_source_url":"https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/employers/faq/","second_source_quote":"Q: Am I required to provide meal or rest breaks?\nA: No, Wyoming law does not require breaks.","verified_at":"2026-09-24","status":"verified"}]}],"dataset":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Dataset","name":"Meal breaks by state (Employer Desk)","description":"Meal breaks: rules for all 50 states and DC, each verified against official sources, or marked as not verified with the official place to check.","url":"https://interobservers.com/desk/laws/break-laws-by-state/","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","isAccessibleForFree":true,"creator":{"@type":"Organization","name":"InterObservers","url":"https://interobservers.com/"},"dateModified":"2026-09-24","spatialCoverage":{"@type":"Place","name":"United States"},"isBasedOn":["https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092","https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/","https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.html","https://dial.iowa.gov/hearings/wage-and-child-labor/wages","https://dlr.sd.gov/employment_laws/work_breaks.aspx","https://dol.georgia.gov/faqs-individuals/individuals-faqs-fair-labor-standards-act","https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/virginia-labor-laws/","https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/breaks.htm","https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/labor-standards/employers/faq/","https://efte.twc.texas.gov/d_breaks.html","https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hour-payment-act/hours-worked","https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005044387-Is-there-any-information-regarding-Indiana-lunch-or-breaks-laws","https://forms.labor.ny.gov/WP/LS443.pdf","https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whfaq.htm","https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/breaks-meal-rest/","https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/odrisa.html","https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/utah-antidiscrimination-and-labor-uald/wage-claim/","https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512","https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html","https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304","https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710","https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/wage-hour/faqs---wage-and-hour.html","https://www.coloradosos.gov/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=12406&fileName=7+CCR+1103-1","https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks","https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned/what-know-about-breaks","https://www.nd.gov/labor/wage-and-hour-faq","https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/support/faqs/wageandhouremployerfaqs.shtml","https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/meals-and-breaks.aspx","https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/resources/compliance-laws-and-regulations/labor-management-relations/pennsylvania-s-minimum-wage-act/wage-faqs"],"distribution":[{"@type":"DataDownload","encodingFormat":"application/json","contentUrl":"https://interobservers.com/api/v1/rules/meal_break.json"}]}}