Overtime Rules: What Are the Legal Limits on Maximum Overtime Hours?

As per the law, what is the overtime rule? Is there any limitation on the maximum hours one can work as overtime?

Yes, Ashish, we have limitations on the maximum hours for overtime (OT); it varies from state to state. Hence, just check on Google for your state, and you will get the information you need.

In our state, the total working hours, including overtime (OT), will not exceed 60 hours per week. Please verify this information with the regulations in your state.

Regards,
Shaikh

Welcome to CiteHR. First, we have to decide under which law we are allowed to have overtime (OT) work from workers/employees, for example, the State Shops & Establishment Act, Factories Act, 1948, The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, etc., and then go through the provisions relating to limitations of working overtime.

Regards,
R.N.Khola

Federal Overtime Rules

The federal rule requires payment at 1.5 times the regular pay rate for hours worked in excess of 40 per week. The law does not mandate overtime for any specific days of the week or particular shifts. Employers are free to set overtime rules and are generally more limited by local conventions, good management practices, and concern for the health of their workers.

Employer Discretion on Double Time

Double time and similar pay rates are also at the discretion of the employer—no laws require you to pay 2x for holidays or weekends. Compensatory time off is not advisable in many states, as they require you to pay the actual rates due for overtime. In some states, you can use Comp Time by law, but not for non-exempt workers. As a rule, paying for their time is safer, more attractive, and always a legal action everywhere. Children under age 18 have limitations.

Federal Overtime Rules

The federal rule requires payment at 1.5 times the regular pay rate for hours in excess of 40 per week. The law does not require overtime for any particular days of the week or any particular shifts. Employers are free to set overtime rules and are really limited more by local convention, good management practices, and concern for the health of their workers.

Employer Discretion on Double Time

Double time and so forth are also at the discretion of the employer—no laws say you must pay 2x for holidays or weekends. Compensatory time off is not a good idea in many states as they say you pay the actual rates due for overtime. In some states, you can go with Comp Time by law but not for non-exempt workers again as the rule—pay for their time; it is safer, more attractive, and always a legal action everywhere.

Limitations for Minors

Children under age 18 have limitations.

The rate for overtime (OT) in West Bengal is double the normal rate. I am not aware of any federal law stating 1.5 times. Hence, please check with your labor advisor before implementation.

Regards,
UG

The Factory Act of 1948 is applicable in every state concerning overtime (OT) regulations. There should be no excessive working hours. According to the law, OT hours should not exceed 60 hours in a week, inclusive of normal working hours, and should not surpass 50 hours in a quarter.

This is what the law specifies.

Best regards,