Utah 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 Utah.

Do Utah Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

Yes, Utah has break laws in place for minors that differ from federal requirements.

Utah Meal Break Laws

Utah law only requires employers to provide meal breaks to minor employees (under 18). It defaults to federal law for breaks offered to adult employees.

Utah Break Laws for Minors

Employers must give a meal break of at least 30 minutes. This meal break must occur no later than 5 hours after the employee starts working.

Additionally, 10-minute rest breaks must be given to minors for every 4 hours worked. They are not permitted to work more than 3 consecutive hours without receiving a break.

Utah 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.

Utah Day of Rest Laws

No day of rest law is in place in Utah.

Utah Break Room Requirements

Employers are not required to provide a break room.

Utah 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 Utah Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Utah?

If you are a minor employee, you can take your lunch break no later than 5 hours after the start of your shift. If you are not a minor, lunch breaks are not required to be offered.

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

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute meal break and one 10-minute rest break during a 6-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 18 and over.

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

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute meal break and two 10-minute rest breaks during an 8-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 18 and over.

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

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute meal break and three 10-minute rest breaks during a 12-hour shift. No break requirement is in effect for employees ages 18 and over.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Utah?

Yes, it is legal to work 7 days straight in Utah. However, federal overtime laws still apply. Employees must be paid time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. There might be specific exceptions or provisions for certain industries or types of employment, so it’s always a good idea to check with your employer or a legal expert for details specific to your situation.

Can I waive my lunch break Utah?

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.

Utah Labor Commission