California Labor Code Restrictions

The most common and important restrictions for workers under age 18:

In California no worker under 18 may:

• Drive a motor vehicle on public streets as part of the job, or work as an outside helper on a motor vehicle.
• Operate power-driven machinery, including meat slicers, box crushers, forklifts, and circular saws.
• Handle, serve, or sell alcoholic beverages.
• Work in wrecking, demolition, or roofing.

Also, no one under 16 may:

• Work in building or construction.
• Work in manufacturing or food processing.
• Do baking or cooking on the job (except at a serving counter).
• Work on a ladder or scaffold.
• Load or unload trucks.
• Dispense gas or oil.
• Clean, wash, or polish cars.

Work Hours: Ages 14 and 15

• 7 am–7 pm, from Labor Day–June 1st
• Not during school hours
• 7 am–9 pm, from June 1st–Labor Day

Maximum Hours When School Is in Session: 18 hours a week, but not over:

• 3 hours a day on school days
• 8 hours a day Saturday–Sunday and holidays

Maximum Hours When School is not in Session

• 40 hours a week
• 8 hours a day

Work Hours: Ages 16 and 17

• 5 am–10 pm when there is school the next day
• 5 am–12:30 am when there is no school the next day

Maximum Hours When School Is in Session: 48 hours a week, but not over:

• 4 hours a day Monday–Thursday
• 8 hours a day Friday–Sunday and holidays

Maximum Hours When School is not in Session

• 48 hours a week
• 8 hours a day

Work Permits

With certain exceptions, youth under 18 who take a job must have a work permit issued by their school district. Applications are available from school sites or from main district offices.

* Note: This list is not complete, but covers the most common and important restrictions. For more information, see the full Child Labor Laws.