EmploymentQuestion 898 of 1632
A non-exempt employee is scheduled to work a 7-hour shift. When must the employer provide an unpaid, off-duty meal period under California law?
a.No meal period is required for shifts of 7 hours or less
b.A meal period is required only after 8 hours of work
c.A 30-minute meal period must begin no later than the end of the fifth hour of work
d.A 60-minute meal period must be provided at the midpoint of the shift
Explanation
Under Labor Code §512, an employee who works more than 5 hours must receive a 30-minute meal period, and that break must start before the end of the fifth hour of work. A 7-hour shift exceeds 5 hours, so one 30-minute meal period is required. A second meal period is required only when a shift exceeds 10 hours. The break is 30 minutes, not 60, and it is generally unpaid and off-duty.
Law Reference: Labor Code §512This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)