Meal and Rest Break Laws in Illinois
Whether Illinois law requires meal or rest breaks for adult employees.
Short answer: Employees working 7½ continuous hours or more must get a meal break of at least 20 minutes, starting no later than 5 hours into the work period, plus another 20-minute meal break for each additional 4½ continuous hours. 820 ILCS 140/3 (One Day Rest in Seven Act)
| Meal and rest breaks | Employees working 7½ continuous hours or more must get a meal break of at least 20 minutes, starting no later than 5 hours into the work period, plus another 20-minute meal break for each additional 4½ continuous hours. Hotel room attendants (in counties over 3 million people) get two paid 15-minute rest breaks and a 30-minute meal break on days of 7 or more hours. |
|---|
Where to get help in Illinois
More Illinois employment law
- Minimum Wage in Illinois
- Final Paycheck Laws in Illinois
- Wrongful Termination in Illinois
- Paid Sick Leave in Illinois
- Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois
- All Illinois employment law rules
FAQ
Are breaks required by law in Illinois?
Employees working 7½ continuous hours or more must get a meal break of at least 20 minutes, starting no later than 5 hours into the work period, plus another 20-minute meal break for each additional 4½ continuous hours. Hotel room attendants (in counties over 3 million people) get two paid 15-minute rest breaks and a 30-minute meal break on days of 7 or more hours.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.