California: rest break laws
Whether your state requires paid rest breaks during the workday, separate from meal breaks.
Checked on official source| Rest break rule | Paid 10 minutes per 4 hours worked |
|---|---|
| Who it covers | Most workers; not required under 3.5 hours a day |
Under federal law, any short break of 5 to 20 minutes that your employer chooses to give must be paid. Separate rules may apply to minors and nursing mothers.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
Also for California: Workers' comp deadlines in California · Workers' comp benefits in California · Paid leave programs in California · Minimum wage in California · Final paycheck rules in California · Unemployment benefits in California · Meal break laws in California · Tipped minimum wage in California · Payday frequency in California
How we checked this
Rules come from the U.S. Department of Labor's table of state paid rest period requirements for adult workers. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.