DOT HOS vs L&I Meal and Rest Periods

My employer is insistent that I follow L&I regulations (Washington State) regarding meal breaks. I've always operated under the assumption that I am bound to DOT regulations regarding breaks. Am I required to observe both sets of rules?

 

When I drove based in Cali we had to take our 30 minute lunch before the 6th hour of work started. The logs would say we had time and wouldnt violate, but we heard about it from the company side.

 

Dot says a minimum 30 minute break after 8 hours on duty.
You can take it whenever you want. 2,3,5.5 7 hour after starting.

You should take your break when the boss says to take it. As long as it doesn't violate hos.

 

Your company or the state(Washington) in this case, can have more restrictive regulations than those required by the Feds. They just can't be less restrictive than he FEDS.
However this usually only applies to Intrastate activities, not interstate.

 

As long as your company doesn't break d.o.t. policy, then they can make any policies they want.
If you don't follow the company policies, the company will fire you for not following company policy

 

Follow both federal and state law unless there is a clear conflict.

 

Thanks everyone. It makes sense now.

 

This is true with any company, regardless of what line of work you are in.

God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!

 

But a policy that violates the law, such as one that requires HOS reg violation should not be followed. If you are fired, you have rights.

 

I used to work for Washington State DOC and was also involved with the union during that time. Washington employers can and do get ruled against for violating the L&I Meal and Rest Periods rule. It can end up costing them if they don't ensure that their employees take required breaks.