Rhode Island Child Labor Laws 2024

Child labor laws on Rhode Island and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.

Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Rhode Island's child labor law regulations.

Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors

Employment Certificates in Rhode Island

Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Rhode Island for minors under 16. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.

Acquiring a Rhode Island Employment Certificate:

In Rhode Island, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.

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Age Certification in Rhode Island

Age certification is a process through which minors provide proof of their age to a prospective employer, which helps ensure that all child labor laws mandated for their age bracket are followed.

Age certification is mandatory for employment in Rhode Island for minors 16 and 17. Proper proof-of-age documentation must be must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their age before they are hired.

Acquiring an Age Certificate in Rhode Island:

In Rhode Island, minors can obtain age certification through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator.

Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Rhode Island

Minors who are authorized to work in Rhode Island are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.

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Maximum Hours of Work for Minors

Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.

For Minors Under 16:

Up to 8 hours of work per day, 40 hours per week

For Minors Ages 16 and 17:

9 hours of work per day and up to 48 hours per week are permitted during the school year.

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Nightwork Restrictions for Minors

Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.

For Minors Under 16:

Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. during school vacation) to 6 a.m.

For Minors Ages 16 and 17:

Work is prohibited during these hours: 11:30 p.m. (1:30 a.m. before non-school day) to 6 a.m., if regularly attending school.

Special Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island

In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).

To learn about these special child labor laws in Rhode Island, see the following pages.

• Entertainment Industry Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island
• Agricultural Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island

On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.

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