You cannot employ someone for a work period of more than five hours without providing an unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30 minutes. California workers are entitled to be relieved of all duty during 30 minute meal breaks.Under California law, non-exempt employees are entitled to one unpaid 30-minute meal break, and two paid 10-minute rest breaks, during a typical 8-hour shift. Under Labor Code 512, non-exempt employees who work more than 5 hours per day must receive a minimum meal break of 30 minutes. In California, all employers must give their employees a 30-minute meal break after the employee has worked at least 5 hours. The maximum penalty for missed meal breaks and missed rest breaks is two hours of pay per day, no matter how many meal or rest breaks were missed in the day. For more information on California minimum wage. For more information on California minimum wage. California law mandates a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. These breaks are paid, and employers can't require work during this time.