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.