Minnesota Meal and Rest Break Laws

Although federal law does not mandate the provision of meal and rest breaks, some states have enacted different legislation. Learn more about the meal and rest break requirements in Minnesota.

Do Minnesota Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, Minnesota law differs from the federal requirement. Employees are required to get breaks.

Minnesota Meal Break Laws

Employees in Minnesota must be given at least 30 minutes to eat a meal when a shift lasts six consecutive hours or more. The break may be unpaid if it’s at least 20 minutes long.

Minnesota Rest Break Laws

Under Minnesota law, employees must receive a break lasting at least 15 minutes to use the nearest restroom within every four consecutive hours of work.

Minnesota Break Laws for Minors

There are no specific break laws in place for minor employees.

Minnesota Break Laws for Mothers

Under federal law, nursing mothers must 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 and offer access to an electrical outlet. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from this requirement if it would cause undue hardship.

Minnesota Day of Rest Laws

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

Minnesota Break Room Requirements

Minnesota employers are not required to provide a break room.

Minnesota Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

If an employer fails to provide the required breaks, they must compensate the employee at the employee’s regular pay rate and may also be held liable for an equal amount in liquidated damages. The administrative penalty for a significant violation can range between $500 and $2,500, and the minimum penalty for willful violations is $5,000 (employers with 50 or fewer employees) or $11,162 (employees with 51+ employees).

Common Minnesota Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Minnesota?

The law states that employees must receive reasonable time to eat a meal, but does not specify the timing of that break. When you can take your lunch break would be up to employer discretion.

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

Employees receive one reasonable break to eat a meal and one rest break to use the nearest restroom during a 6-hour shift.

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

Employees receive one reasonable break to eat a meal and two rest breaks to use the nearest restroom during a 6-hour shift.

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

Employees receive one reasonable break to eat a meal and three rest breaks to use the nearest restroom during a 6-hour shift.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Minnesota?

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

Can I waive my lunch break in Minnesota?

In most cases, employees are allowed to waive an employer-offered meal break.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry