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Minnesota Rest Break and Restroom Time Requirements

active

Minnesota requires employers to provide adequate restroom time within each 4 consecutive hours of work. In addition, MNOSHA guidance establishes that a 10-minute paid rest break per 4 hours of work is standard practice. The restroom time requirement is a statutory mandate, while the 10-minute rest break is enforced through department guidance and workplace safety standards.

Jurisdiction
MN (state)
Law Type
Rest Breaks
Status
active
Citation
Minn. Stat. § 177.253
Effective Date
1988-01-01
Last Verified
2026-01-15
Record Updated
2026-01-15

Applicability

Employee Types
all
Age Groups
adult, 16-17, 14-15

Requirements

Restroom Time
Frequency
Within each 4 consecutive hours of work
Paid
Yes
Description
Employers must allow employees adequate time to use restroom facilities within each 4 consecutive hours of work. This time is compensated as hours worked.
Rest Period
Duration Minutes
10
Frequency
Per 4 hours worked
Paid
Yes
Description
MNOSHA guidance establishes that a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours of work is standard practice. While the statute specifically mandates restroom time, the department interprets and enforces this as including a general rest break.

Penalties

Employers who fail to provide adequate restroom time may face enforcement action by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and MNOSHA. Penalties may include fines and workplace safety orders.

Statute of limitations: 2 years

Notes

The statutory language specifically addresses restroom time rather than general rest breaks, but MNOSHA guidance has established the 10-minute rest break standard as best practice that is actively enforced. Employers should provide both adequate restroom access and periodic rest breaks to ensure compliance with both the statute and department guidance.

Sources