Illinois Meal Break & Day-of-Rest Calculator (ODRISA)
Check statutory meal break entitlements under the Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act (at least 20 minutes for shifts of 7.5+ hours within 5 hours of start; second 20-minute break for 12+ hours) and rolling 7-day rest rules.
Illinois Meal Break & Day of Rest Laws (ODRISA, 820 ILCS 140/1)
Workplace breaks in Illinois are governed by the One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA, 820 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), as substantially strengthened by Public Act 102-0828. Unlike states that leave adult meal breaks unregulated or defer entirely to federal law, Illinois strictly mandates duty-free meal periods and guaranteed consecutive rest intervals.
7.5+ Hour Shift Meal Break
20 Minutes minimum
820 ILCS 140/3 requires at least 20 minutes starting no later than 5 hours after shift start.
12+ Hour Extended Shifts
2nd Break required
An additional 20-minute break for each 4.5 hours worked beyond the initial 7.5-hour threshold.
One Day Rest in Seven
24 Hours consecutive
820 ILCS 140/2 guarantees at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every consecutive 7-day period.
Duty-Free Break Requirements
A meal break in Illinois must be completely duty-free. An employee cannot be required to monitor radios, answer phones, remain at their workstation, or perform any incidental tasks. If an employee is interrupted or required to perform work during the meal period, the entire duration becomes compensable working time under 820 ILCS 115/1 et seq.
Enforcement & Statutory Penalties
Under 820 ILCS 140/7, employers who violate meal break or day-of-rest requirements are subject to civil penalties. An employer with fewer than 25 employees faces up to $250 payable to the employee per violation, plus an administrative penalty of up to $250 to the IDOL. For employers with 25 or more employees, damages increase to up to $500 payable to the employee and $500 to IDOL per violation.