Maryland Meal and Rest Break Laws

54Although federal law does not mandate the provision of meal and rest breaks, some states have enacted different legislation. Learn more about which employees must receive break time in Maryland.

Do Maryland Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, Maryland break laws are different from federal break laws. Certain employees are required to receive regular breaks when they meet specific conditions.

Maryland Meal Break Laws

Under the Healthy Retail Employee Act, which applies to retail organizations with at least 50 staff members and operating for 20 or more calendar weeks, employees working 6+ consecutive hours must receive a 30-minute meal break.

Maryland Rest Break Laws

The Healthy Retail Employee Act also requires that eligible employees working shifts lasting 4 to 6 hours may qualify for one 15-minute paid rest break, and 8-hour shifts qualify for two 15-minute paid rest breaks.

Maryland Break Laws for Minors

Any minor employee under the age of 18 must receive a 30-minute break when working 5+ hours.

Maryland Break Laws for Mothers

Under federal law, nursing mothers are required to be given reasonable time during work to express breast milk in a private place that is not a restroom. It must be free from intrusion and view. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from this requirement if it would cause undue hardship.

Maryland Day of Rest Laws

There is no day of rest law in effect in Maryland.

Maryland Break Room Requirements

Maryland employers are not required to provide a break room.

Maryland Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Violating the federal legislation regarding the provision of meal and rest breaks subjects an employer to criminal prosecution and a fine. Employees may also file legal suits against employers, subjecting them to paying back wages.

Common Maryland Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Maryland?

If you work for a retail organization with at least 50 staff members that operates for 20 or more calendar weeks, you must a 30-minute meal break during a 6-hour shift or longer. However, the law doesn’t dictate the timing of the break, so your employer would determine when you can take it.

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

Eligible retail employees would receive one 30-minute meal break (unpaid) and one 15-minute rest break (paid) during a 6-hour shift. Employers in other industries aren’t required to provide breaks.

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

Eligible retail employees would receive one 30-minute meal break (unpaid) and two 15-minute rest breaks (paid) during an 8-hour shift. Employers in other industries aren’t required to provide breaks.

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

Eligible retail employees would receive one 30-minute meal break (unpaid) and two 15-minute rest breaks (paid) during a 12-hour shift. Employers in other industries aren’t required to provide breaks.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Maryland?

Yes, it is legal to work 7 days straight in Maryland.

Can I waive my lunch break in Maryland?

You may be able to waive a lunch break in Maryland if you and your employer agree upon it in writing.

Maryland Division of Labor and Industry