CSLB Law & Business ExamEmployment RequirementsMedium
A construction laborer works an 8-hour shift with no meal period waiver. Under California wage and hour law, how many paid 10-minute rest breaks is the employee generally entitled to during that shift?
- ATwo rest breaks
- BNo rest breaks are required if a meal period is provided
- COne rest break
- DThree rest breaks
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Two rest breaks
California law requires a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked or major fraction thereof. An 8-hour shift divides into two 4-hour periods, entitling the employee to two 10-minute rest breaks.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rest breaks are separate and required in addition to meal periods, not a substitute for them.
- C. One break only satisfies a shift of roughly 3.5 to 6 hours, not a full 8-hour shift.
- D. Three breaks would apply to a shift exceeding 10 hours.
Rest Break Requirement
California employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked or major fraction thereof.
- 10 minutes paid per 4 hours worked
- Separate from unpaid meal periods
- Major fraction of 4 hours (over 2 hours) triggers an additional break
Memory trick: Every four hours, take ten.