Arkansas Meal and Rest Break Laws

Although federal law doesn’t mandate the provision of meal and rest breaks, certain states have legislation in effect. Review the requirements in Arkansas.

Do Arkansas Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

In Arkansas, meal and rest break laws only apply to lactating and minor employees. Otherwise, the state legislation defers to federal law.

Arkansas Meal Break Laws

Adult employees (18 years of age and older) are not required to receive meal breaks in Alaska. However, meal breaks offered by employers must be paid unless than last longer than 20 minutes and allow the employee to be relieved from all work duties and leave their workstation.

Arkansas Break Laws for Minors

Minors (employees under the age of 16) are required to receive a 30-minute break (minimum) during a shift lasting 5 or more continuous hours.

Arkansas Break Laws for Mothers

The lactation break law in Arkansas requires employers to provide reasonable unpaid break time throughout the workday to lactating employees. They also must have a private place to express breast milk near their work area that is not a restroom stall.

Arkansas Day of Rest Laws

There is no day of rest law in place in Arkansas mandating a specific day off for employers.

Arkansas Break Room Requirements

Arkansas law does not require employers to provide a break room for employee use.

Arkansas Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Failure to adhere to the laws regarding breaks for minors and/or lactating employees would expose an employer to penalties and fines with the Arkansas Department of Labor.

Employers who violate federal meal and rest break laws may face financial penalties imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as legal action taken by employees.

Common Arkansas Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Arkansas?

Since there is no law mandating that an employer must provide a break during a shift, the timing of a meal break would be based on employer discretion.

How many breaks in a 6-hour shift in Arkansas?

Minor employees (under age 16) would receive one meal break lasting 30 minutes during a 6-hour shift. Employees over age 16 are not required to receive meal or rest breaks in Arkansas.

How many breaks in an 8-hour shift in Arkansas?

Minor employees (under age 16) would receive one meal break lasting 30 minutes during an 8-hour shift. Employees over age 16 are not required to receive meal or rest breaks in Arkansas.

How many breaks in a 12-hour shift in Arkansas?

Minor employees (under age 16) would receive one meal break lasting 30 minutes during a 12-hour shift. State law doesn’t limit the number of hours a minor can work, but it does restrict hazardous employment. Employees over age 16 are not required to receive meal or rest breaks in Arkansas.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Arkansas?

Yes, employees in Arkansas are permitted work 7 days straight. There is no required “day of rest.”

Can I waive my lunch break in Arkansas?

For an employee over the age of 17, the ability to waive a lunch break depends on the employer. Employers in Arkansas are not required to provide meal breaks. But federal law mandates that any break lasting 20 minutes or fewer must be paid.

Arkansas Department of Labor