California law generally does not require a minimum amount of time between an employee's shifts. However, there are a few safety-related exceptions, such as train crews and drivers regulated by the Department of Transportation. Unless a local scheduling ordinance applies, you generally can schedule an employee without a minimum amount of time off between shifts — e.g. a double shift where a second shift immediately follows the end of an employee's first shift. However, carefully consider the impact of long hours of work on the health and safety of your employees.

If you schedule an employee for two shifts in a workday separated by more than one hour, you may be required to pay a split shift premium. For more information, see Split Shift Pay.