The state of Virginia has specific restrictions covering the legal working age, the permits that are required, and the types of jobs that are restricted with regard to young people who are ready to enter the profession.
In addition to ensuring that children are protected and able to continue their education, these rules are designed to ensure that they obtain meaningful work experience.
The minimum age required to work in Virginia
Under some circumstances, the state of Virginia permits adolescents to receive employment as young as 14 years old. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, such as the employment of younger children in some fields, such as agriculture, entertainment, and family-owned companies such as restaurants and shops. In order to protect young workers, the state not only adheres to the criteria established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but it also imposes extra restrictions that are special to the state.
Who Is Required to Have a Work Permit?
When it comes to employment, the majority of kids in Virginia who are under the age of 16 are required to obtain a work permit before they can legally be employed. This is how the procedure is carried out:
- Application Process – Minors must complete an employment certificate application, which requires signatures from both a parent or guardian and the employer.
- School Approval – The minor’s school may need to verify that the employment does not interfere with their education.
- Online Submission – The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) provides an online system for submitting work permit applications.
- Employer Responsibilities – Employers hiring minors must keep copies of the work permit on file and comply with all state and federal labor laws.
Minors aged 16 and 17 do not need a work permit but still face restrictions on working hours and job types.
Restricted Jobs for Minors
Virginia enforces strict regulations on the types of jobs minors can perform, primarily to safeguard their well-being. The restrictions vary by age group and industry.
Jobs Minors Under 16 Cannot Perform:
- Manufacturing and Factory Work – Includes operating heavy machinery or working in hazardous environments.
- Construction Work – Minors are prohibited from operating power-driven tools, hoisting machinery, or working on scaffolds.
- Mining and Logging – These high-risk industries are off-limits for minors.
- Door-to-Door Sales – To prevent exploitation, Virginia limits minors from engaging in street sales unless under specific conditions.
- Warehousing and Storage – Jobs involving loading or unloading freight or working in storage facilities are restricted.
- Cooking with Open Flames – While minors can engage in food service jobs, they cannot cook over open flames or use high-temperature equipment.
Jobs Minors Aged 16 and 17 Cannot Perform:
- Operating Motor Vehicles – Generally, minors cannot drive as part of their job duties unless under specific conditions.
- Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals – Jobs involving toxic substances, such as some cleaning and manufacturing roles, are prohibited.
- Work in Bars and Nightclubs – Although they may work in restaurants, minors cannot be employed in establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
- Security and Firearms-Related Work – Jobs requiring the use of firearms or security-related tasks are strictly restricted.
Work Hour Restrictions for Minors
The amount of hours that minors are allowed to work is likewise restricted by law in Virginia in order to protect them and further their scholastic development. When it comes to these constraints, age and whether the work is during the school year or summer break are both factors that vary.
For Minors Under 16:
- School Days: No more than 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week.
- Non-School Days: Up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Allowed Work Hours: Between 7 AM and 7 PM during the school year and until 9 PM in the summer (June 1 through Labor Day).
For Minors Aged 16 and 17:
While there are fewer hour restrictions for this age group, they cannot work during school hours without special permission. Additionally, federal law prohibits them from working more than 48 hours per week in most cases.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Some minors may be exempt from Virginia’s work permit and restriction rules under specific conditions:
- Family Businesses – Minors working in a business owned by their parents are exempt from most restrictions unless the job is hazardous.
- Agriculture Work – Certain farm-related jobs are permitted for younger minors with parental consent.
- Apprenticeships and Internships – Some educational programs allow minors to gain work experience under supervised conditions.
- Entertainment Industry – Child actors and performers have separate labor laws governed by different permit processes.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must comply with all child labor laws, including:
- Verifying the minor’s age and obtaining necessary permits.
- Providing a safe and legal working environment.
- Adhering to hour restrictions and job duty limitations.
- Keeping detailed employment records for minor workers.
Failure to comply with Virginia’s child labor laws can result in heavy fines and penalties, including potential legal action.
Final Thoughts
The rules governing employment in Virginia strike a compromise between the provision of employment possibilities for children and the maintenance of their health, safety, and education as the government’s highest priority. It is possible for juveniles between the ages of 14 and 17 to enter the labor; however, the protection of their health and safety is contingent upon the availability of work licenses, hour limits, and employment restrictions. In order to maintain compliance with these standards and to foster a safe working environment, it is important for both employers and young workers to become aware with them.
