The rule.
Law Level
Strict
Meal Break Requirement
30 min for 5+ hrs; 2nd meal for 10+ hrs
Rest Break Requirement
10 min per 4 hrs (paid)
Penalty for Violation
Civil penalty + premium pay
Key Notes for Employers
WAC 296-126-092: paid 10-min rest per 4-hour period. 30-min unpaid meal per 5 hours. Very similar to CA/OR model.
Last verified: June 2026.
What's in the Meal & Rest Break Requirements workbook
What's in the workbook
Meal & Rest Breaks — every state covered. Visible items show the chapters; locked items reveal the structural depth.
- ✓State Reference
- ✓Compliance Checklist
- ✓Monthly Updates
- 🔒Policy Review
- 🔒Compensability & Payroll
- 🔒Recordkeeping
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Meal & Rest Break Requirements — instant download, Excel + Google Sheets, free monthly updates for life.
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