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Introduction:
In the state of Texas, there are laws in place to regulate how long employees can work each day. These laws are in place to ensure that workers are not exploited or overworked. The number of hours that an employee can legally work per day depends on various factors such as the employee’s age, occupation, and industry. In this article, we will explore the laws governing how many hours a day one can legally work in Texas.
Hours of work in Texas:
The number of hours a day that an employee can legally work in Texas depends on their age, occupation, and industry. The state law does not have any restrictions on the number of hours that an adult can work each day. However, it does require employers to pay overtime for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week. Let’s look at the details of these laws in the following subheadings:
The maximum working hours for minors in Texas:
In Texas, the number of hours that minors can work is regulated by the Texas Child Labor Law. According to this law, minors under the age of 14 cannot work in most jobs, except for certain jobs such as newspaper delivery, acting, and modeling. For those aged 14 and 15, they cannot work more than 8 hours per day, and 48 hours per week during the school year. During the summer months, these minors can work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Minors aged 16 and 17 are not subject to any daily or weekly hour restrictions but are prohibited from working during school hours.
Hours of work for adults in Texas:
As stated earlier, Texas law does not place any restrictions on the number of hours that adults can work in a day. Employers in Texas are not required to give breaks or meal periods to adult employees. However, if an employer chooses to provide breaks, any break less than 20 minutes must be paid, and the employee must be fully relieved of duties.
The maximum working hours for truck drivers:
Truck drivers are also subject to federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can drive each day. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers carrying property can work a maximum of 11 hours per day and 60 hours per week. They are also required to take a break of at least 30 minutes after 8 consecutive hours of driving. Additionally, drivers must take a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off duty before beginning a new workweek.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the number of hours an employee can work in Texas depends on various factors such as age, occupation, and industry. Minors have restrictions on the number of hours they can work per day, while adults do not have any restrictions. Employers are not required to provide breaks or meal periods to adult employees. Truck drivers are subject to federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can drive each day. It is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the laws governing the number of working hours to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.
