Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.

Do Oklahoma Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, there are unique laws in place regarding employee breaks in Oklahoma that differ from federal law.

Oklahoma Meal Break Laws

Oklahoma law only requires employers to provide meal breaks to minor employees (under 16). It defaults to federal law for breaks offered to employees 16 years and older.

Oklahoma Break Laws for Minors

Minor employees (under the age of 16) must receive a 30-minute break when working 5 or more consecutive hours, and a 60-minute break for every 8 consecutive hours of work.

Oklahoma Break Laws for Mothers

The state requires reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers. Nursing mothers must be provided with reasonable breaks and a room to express breast milk. The location cannot be a toilet stall.

Oklahoma Day of Rest Laws

No day of rest law is in place in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Break Room Requirements

Employers are not required to provide a break room.

Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Oklahoma?

Unless you are a minor employee, a lunch break is not required to be provided by your employer. Any meal break offered (and the timing) would be based on employer discretion.

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

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute break during a 6-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 16 and over.

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

Minor employees would receive one 60-minute break during an 8-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 16 and over.

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

Minor employees would receive one 60-minute break during a 12-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 16 and over.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Oklahoma?

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

Can I waive my lunch break Oklahoma?

Since there is no law around providing meal breaks to adult employees, the ability to waive an employer-offered break would depend on company policy.

Oklahoma Human Services