What are my rights to meal and rest breaks in California?

California law provides strict break requirements for non-exempt employees:

Meal breaks: Employers must provide a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours, and a second 30-minute meal break for shifts over 10 hours. During meal breaks, you must be relieved of all duties. If your employer requires you to work during a meal break (or makes it impractical to take one), you’re entitled to one additional hour of pay at your regular rate.

Rest breaks: Employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction thereof). Rest breaks should fall in the middle of each work period when practicable.

Meal and rest break violations are among the most common wage and hour disputes in California. If your employer regularly prevents you from taking breaks, you may be entitled to significant penalties.