EmploymentQuestion 899 of 1632
An employee works an 11-hour shift. How many meal periods must the California employer provide?
a.None, because meal periods are only required for shifts over 12 hours
b.Three 30-minute meal periods
c.One 30-minute meal period
d.Two 30-minute meal periods
Explanation
Labor Code §512 requires a first 30-minute meal period for shifts over 5 hours and a second 30-minute meal period for shifts over 10 hours. An 11-hour shift exceeds 10 hours, so two meal periods are required. A third meal period is not mandated; the statute tops out at two. The second meal period may be waived by mutual consent only if the shift is no more than 12 hours and the first meal period was not waived.
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)