(650) 332-8623Indiana Break Laws: Meals, Rests, and More (2025)
In this guide, you’ll learn about Indiana’s meal and rest break laws, who they apply to, and how to stay compliant in 2025.
Understanding Indiana Break Laws
Meal Breaks
Laws in Indiana Governing Meal Breaks
Indiana does not have any state laws requiring employers to provide meal breaks for adult employees. Meal breaks are considered a privilege granted by the employer rather than a legal requirement. However, there are specific provisions for workers under the age of 18.
According to Indiana law:
- Employers must provide a meal break of at least 30 minutes for employees under 18 years old who work six or more consecutive hours.
- The meal break must occur between the third and fifth hour of work.
- Some industries and employment types, including camps, health education, sectarian-related activities, nonprofit entities, farm laborers, domestic services, golf caddies, newspaper carriers, high school graduates, and teens withdrawn from school, are exempt from these break requirements.
For adult employees, meal breaks are at the discretion of the employer. Federal law states that meal breaks of 30 minutes or more are generally unpaid unless the employee is required to perform work duties during that time.
Rest Breaks
Laws in Indiana Governing Rest Breaks
Indiana state law does not require employers to provide rest breaks to adult employees. However, the law does mandate breaks for minor employees under certain conditions:
- Employees under the age of 18 must receive one or two rest breaks totaling at least 30 minutes if scheduled to work six or more consecutive hours.
- These breaks must be given in addition to any meal periods provided.
- Like meal breaks, exemptions apply to specific categories of employment such as farm labor, newspaper carriers, and nonprofit organizations.
For adult workers, rest breaks are optional and depend on the employer’s policies. Federal labor laws do not require employers to offer rest breaks, but if they do, any break lasting 20 minutes or less must be paid.
What's the Difference?
Meal Breaks vs. Rest Breaks in Indiana
Indiana’s break laws primarily focus on minor employees rather than adult workers. The key differences between meal and rest breaks include:
- Meal breaks (30 minutes or longer) are generally unpaid unless the employee is required to work during the break.
- Short rest breaks (typically lasting 5-20 minutes) are not required but must be paid if the employer chooses to provide them.
- Indiana’s laws for minors explicitly require a combination of rest and meal breaks, whereas adults are not legally entitled to either.
Exemptions
What Type of Workers are Exempt from Indiana's Break Laws?
Indiana does not have broad exemptions for break laws because it does not require meal or rest breaks for adult employees. However, minors working in specific industries are exempt from break requirements. These exemptions include:
- Camps, health education, and sectarian-related activities
- Nonprofit entities
- Farm laborers
- Domestic services
- Golf caddies
- Newspaper carriers
- High school graduates or teens withdrawn from school
Additionally, while Indiana does not mandate breaks for most workers, certain federal regulations apply to specific industries such as airline pilots, truck drivers, and union workers who may be entitled to breaks through collective bargaining agreements.
Child Labor
Changes to Indiana Child Labor Laws
(Effective January 1, 2025) Indiana has recently updated its child labor laws, reducing restrictions for minor workers. Key changes include:
- Employees aged 14 to 16 may now work until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day, regardless of whether the day precedes a school day.
- All previous hour and time restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds have been repealed, allowing them to work the same hours as adults.
- The prohibition on 16- to 18-year-old farm workers handling hazardous materials has been lifted, deferring to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for restrictions on hazardous work conditions.
- Employers must still comply with Indiana’s Teen Break Law, which requires specific break times for workers under the age of 18.
Differences Between Indiana and Federal Break Laws
Federal laws do not stipulate any requirements for rest breaks, specifying only that “bona fide” meal breaks are not to be considered working time and do not need to be paid for if the employee is completely relieved of all duties.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides two primary statutes governing meals and breaks nationwide:
- Rest Breaks: 29 CFR 785.18
- Meal Breaks: 29 CFR 785.19
Understanding Indiana’s break laws can help you remain compliant, as these laws will typically be more stringent and specify harsher penalties than U.S. labor laws.
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Other Types of Breaks for Workers in Indiana
Indiana has specific labor laws concerning meal and rest breaks for minors under the age of 18. These laws ensure that young workers receive adequate rest during their shifts:
- Employees under 18 years old must receive one or two rest breaks totaling at least 30 minutes if they are scheduled to work six or more consecutive hours.
- Meal breaks for minors must occur between their third and fifth hour of work.
- Exemptions to these break requirements exist for certain types of employment, including farm labor, domestic services, newspaper carriers, golf caddies, nonprofit organizations, and high school graduates or teens who have withdrawn from school.
Indiana follows federal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) concerning breaks for nursing employees. Under these regulations:
- Employers must provide “reasonable break time” for an employee to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth.
- Employers must provide a private space for pumping that is shielded from view, free from intrusion, and cannot be a bathroom.
- The federal PUMP Actexpands these protections to include additional workers, such as agricultural laborers, teachers, nurses, truck drivers, and managers.
While Indiana does not have additional state-specific protections for nursing employees, the federal law applies to most workplaces.
Indiana does not have widespread industry-specific break regulations beyond those applying to minors and nursing employees. However, certain industries, such as transportation and healthcare, may have break requirements governed by federal laws or collective bargaining agreements. For example:
- Truck drivers must adhere to federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations that mandate rest periods and driving limits.
- Unionized workers may be entitled to specific break periods through their employment contracts.
- Healthcare workers in Indiana do not have state-mandated break requirements, though some facilities may implement their own policies.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Breaks in Indiana
Indiana does not require employers to maintain records of meal or rest breaks since these breaks are not mandated for adult employees. However, businesses must comply with federal laws regarding paid break time, particularly for nursing employees. Employers should:
- Track minor employees’ breaks to ensure compliance with Indiana’s child labor laws.
- Maintain records for nursing employees’ break accommodations as required under the PUMP Act.
- Follow federal guidelines that require paid short rest breaks (lasting 5 to 20 minutes) to be counted as compensable work time.
While Indiana’s break laws are relatively relaxed compared to other states, employers should stay informed about federal labor laws and any industry-specific requirements that may apply.
Indiana Penalties for Meal and Break Violations
Youth Employment PenaltiesCivil Penalties
Indiana enforces civil penalties for violations related to youth employment, including break and hour violations. These penalties are assessed based on the severity and recurrence of the violation.
Hour Violations (less than 30 minutes):
- First Violation: Warning
- Second Violation: $50
- Third Violation: $75
- Fourth and Subsequent Violations: $100
Interest on Unpaid WagesFLSA Penalties
Indiana employers are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for violations involving unpaid wages and working hours. Under the FLSA, employees may be entitled to compensation for:
- Unpaid Wages – Employees can recover the difference between what they were paid and what they should have been paid.
- Interest on Unpaid Wages – Employers may be required to pay interest on unpaid wages as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Misconceptions About Meals and Breaks in IN
Many workers believe that all Indiana employers are required to provide meal breaks, similar to other states with stricter break laws.
Indiana law does not require employers to provide meal breaks for adult employees. Meal breaks are at the employer’s discretion unless the employee is under 18. Employers must provide at least a 30-minute meal break for minor employees working six or more consecutive hours.
Some employees assume they are entitled to short rest breaks throughout their shifts.
Indiana law does not require rest breaks for adult employees. Employers can provide rest breaks voluntarily, but it is not legally mandated. However, for employees under 18, Indiana law requires one or two rest breaks totaling at least 30 minutes if they work six or more consecutive hours.
Employees may believe they can take their meal breaks whenever they prefer during their shifts.
For minors under 18, Indiana law states that meal breaks must be taken between the third and fifth hour of work. There are no legal time restrictions for adult employees since meal breaks are not required.
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Employees: Know Your Rights to Meals and Breaks in Indiana
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Unlike some states with strict break laws, Indiana does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Breaks are generally at the discretion of the employer unless the worker is under the age of 18.
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Employees under 18 years old must receive a 30-minute meal break if they work six or more consecutive hours. The meal break must occur between the third and fifth hour of work. In addition to meal breaks, minor employees must receive one or two rest breaks totaling at least 30 minutes when working six or more consecutive hours.
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Federal law states that short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid if provided. However, meal breaks lasting 30 minutes or longer are generally unpaid, unless the employee is required to perform work duties during that time.
Employer Obligations for Meals and Breaks in IN
Employers in Indiana are not required to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees, but they must adhere to the following regulations for minor employees:
- Provide a 30-minute meal break for employees under 18 working six or more consecutive hours.
- Ensure the meal break occurs between the third and fifth hour of work.
- Provide one or two rest breaks totaling at least 30 minutes in addition to meal breaks.
Employers are not required to track breaks for adult employees but must maintain records of minor employee breaks to comply with child labor laws.
Additionally, under federal law, Indiana employers must provide reasonable break time for nursing employees to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth. A private, non-bathroom space must be available for this purpose.
How to Ensure Compliance with IN Break and Meal Laws
Although Indiana does not have extensive break requirements, employers should take the following steps to maintain compliance and foster a productive workplace:
- Provide Clear Policies
Employers should establish clear meal and rest break policies, even if breaks are not required by law. This helps set expectations and avoid confusion among employees. - Monitor Minor Employee Breaks
Employers must ensure that minor employees receive their legally required breaks. Keeping accurate records helps prevent violations and potential fines. - Follow Federal Guidelines for Nursing Mothers
Businesses must provide reasonable break time and a private space for nursing employees. Employers should develop a written policy outlining these rights to remain compliant. - Consider Industry-Specific Regulations
Certain industries, such as transportation and healthcare, may have federally mandated break requirements. Employers should review any relevant federal or collective bargaining agreements. - Train Managers and Supervisors
Ensuring that managers understand break policies—especially for minor employees—can prevent unintentional labor law violations.
Benefits to Employees
Even though Indiana does not require breaks for adults, many employers offer them to promote workplace well-being. Employees who take breaks may experience:
- Improved Health and Focus – Short breaks help prevent burnout and improve mental clarity.
- Enhanced Productivity – Employees return to work refreshed and more efficient.
- Greater Job Satisfaction – A workplace that values employee well-being fosters higher morale and loyalty.
Benefits to Employers
Employers who voluntarily offer break policies can see significant advantages, including:
- Higher Workforce Efficiency – Regular breaks help maintain employee energy levels and reduce errors.
- Stronger Employee Relationships – Providing breaks signals respect for employees’ well-being, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.
- Reduced Legal Risks – Ensuring compliance with minor employee break laws and federal nursing mother accommodations prevents potential fines and lawsuits.
While Indiana does not mandate breaks for adult employees, understanding and implementing effective break policies can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce.
The Bottom Line on Indiana Meal and Break Laws
Indiana’s break laws are less restrictive than those in some other states, as they do not require meal or rest breaks for adult employees. However, employers must follow state-mandated break rules for minor employees and adhere to federal laws regarding nursing mothers.
For employees, voluntary break policies can improve health, focus, and job satisfaction. For employers, offering breaks—even when not legally required—can enhance workplace efficiency, strengthen employee relationships, and reduce turnover.
While Indiana’s labor laws provide flexibility for businesses, staying informed about federal regulations and industry-specific requirements is essential. Employers who proactively implement fair and reasonable break policies create a more productive work environment and foster greater employee well-being.
As labor laws continue to evolve, businesses that prioritize compliance and employee welfare will be better positioned for long-term success. Whether through structured policies for minor employees or accommodations for nursing mothers, employers who invest in break management will benefit from a healthier and more engaged workforce.
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In Indiana, a lunch break is not required by law for adult employees. Employers have the discretion to offer meal breaks, but they are not mandated by state law.
However, Indiana law does require employers to provide meal breaks to minor employees (those under the age of 18) who work six or more consecutive hours. These minors must receive one or two rest periods totaling 30 minutes.
In Indiana, the meal period law primarily applies to minor employees. Employers must provide meal breaks to minors under the age of 18 who work six or more consecutive hours. These minors are entitled to one or two rest periods totaling 30 minutes.
For adult employees, Indiana law does not require employers to provide meal breaks. Employers have the discretion to offer meal breaks, but they are not mandated by state law. If an employer chooses to provide a meal break, it can be unpaid if the employee is relieved of all duties for at least 30 minutes.
Under federal law, employers must pay employees for shorter breaks (typically 5 to 20 minutes) but are not required to provide these breaks in the first place.
In Indiana, the labor code regarding meal time primarily focuses on minors and federal guidelines. Here are the key points:
- Minors Under 18: Employers must provide a 30-minute meal break to minors who work six or more consecutive hours.
- Adult Employees: There is no state law requiring meal breaks for adult employees. Employers follow federal guidelines, which do not mandate meal breaks but require payment for work time, including shorter breaks.
An employee can technically refuse to take a lunch break, but there are potential implications to consider:
- Federal Law: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require employers to provide meal breaks, so refusing a break is not a violation of federal law. However, if an employer offers breaks, they must be paid if they are 20 minutes or less.
- State Laws: Some states have specific laws regarding meal breaks. For example, California requires a 30-minute meal break for employees working more than five hours. In Indiana, there is no state law requiring meal breaks for adults, but minors must receive breaks.
- Employer Policies: If an employer offers a meal break, it is generally up to the employee to decide whether to take it. However, if an employee consistently refuses breaks, it may lead to discussions with management about potential legal or health implications.
- Health and Safety: Regular breaks can be important for employee well-being and productivity. Refusing breaks might not be advisable for long-term health and job performance.
In summary, while an employee can refuse a lunch break, it’s important to understand both state-specific laws and employer policies, as well as the potential impact on health and productivity.
