No. Child labor under age 14 is prohibited in North Dakota under state and federal law, with no exceptions for parental employment or agricultural work. The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights enforces strict prohibitions, aligning with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s child labor provisions. Violations trigger immediate penalties, including fines up to $11,000 per infraction under federal guidelines.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in North Dakota
- Minimum Age Requirement: Employment of children under 14 is strictly prohibited, except in limited cases like newspaper delivery or agricultural work under parental supervision (NDCC § 34-06-14). Federal law (FLSA § 12) supersedes state rules where conflicts arise.
- Work Permit System: Minors aged 14–15 must obtain a work permit from the North Dakota Department of Labor before employment, verifying age and permissible hours. Permits are denied for underage applicants.
- Hour Restrictions: Even for permitted minors, work hours are capped during school days (3 hours/day, 18 hours/week) and limited to non-school weeks (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week). Night work is restricted between 7 PM and 7 AM.
Local enforcement has intensified ahead of the 2026 federal compliance updates, with the North Dakota Department of Labor conducting unannounced inspections in high-risk industries like agriculture and retail. Employers violating these rules face civil penalties and potential criminal charges under NDCC § 34-06-15. Agricultural exemptions require additional documentation, including parental consent and proof of non-hazardous tasks.