California

California Break & Meal Guidelines 

California has strict meal and rest break requirements, along with daily overtime rules. Newbridge scheduling must ensure compliance while actively managing total worked hours to avoid unnecessary overtime. 

For shifts worked in California: 

A 30-minute meal is required before the end of the 5th hour 

A second 30-minute meal is required for shifts exceeding 10 hours 

A paid 10-minute rest break is required for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction thereof) 

Daily overtime applies after 8 hours of worked time 

Newbridge Standard: 

All breaks and meals are paid. 

In California, schedules must be structured to: 

• Meet all legal break timing requirements  

• Control total worked hours to remain at or below 8 hours when required  

Extended meal periods (30–60 minutes) may be used where compliant to help manage total worked time and overtime exposure. 

General Guidelines (Applied Alongside State Law): 

4 hours or less → No break (unless rest period is triggered by state rule) 

4.5 to 5.5 hours → 1 paid 15-minute break 

6 to 6.5 hours →
2 paid 15-minute breaks + 1 paid 30-minute meal
(Meal must occur before 5th hour) 

6.5 to 8 hours →
2 paid 15-minute breaks + 1 paid 30-minute meal 

Shifts Scheduled Over 8 Hours (OT Management Required): 

If a shift is scheduled beyond 8 hours, break structure must be adjusted: 

Option A:
1 extended 60-minute meal + 2 paid 15-minute breaks 

Option B:
2 separate 30-minute meals + 2 paid 15-minute breaks 

Option C:
2 compliant 30-minute meal periods + 2 paid 15-minute breaks 

All extended breaks must: 

• Be scheduled near the middle of the shift where possible  

• Not occur within the first or last hour  

• Be structured to help manage total worked time and limit overtime exposure where required 

10+ Hour Shifts: 

• Second meal is still required by law  

• Use combination of extended meals to:  

• Stay compliant  

• Control overtime  

Critical Note: 

Break timing is strictly enforced in California: 

• First meal must occur before the end of the 5th hour  

• Breaks must be evenly distributed  

• Poor timing = violations, even if total breaks are correct