Unpaid Travel Time Claims in Orange County

In Orange County, many employers overlook or ignore the fact that certain types of travel time qualify as compensable work. When this time goes unpaid, workers lose wages they rightfully earned.

Filing an unpaid travel time claim allows employees to recover lost income and hold employers accountable for wage violations in Orange County.

What Qualifies for Travel Time Pay in California?

Not every commute or trip qualifies for paid time. However, the California Labor Code and wage orders outline clear circumstances where travel must be compensated. These include:

• Mandatory Work Travel: Time spent traveling as part of job duties, such as driving between client sites, is compensable.
• Travel Between Worksites: Employees who must report to multiple locations during a shift must be paid for the travel time.
• Employer-Provided Transportation: If an employer requires the use of company shuttles, vans, or buses, that travel counts as hours worked.
• Overnight Business Trips: Travel outside of regular work hours for overnight assignments may require compensation, particularly when employees are under the employer’s control.
• Errands or Deliveries: Tasks performed during travel at the request of the employer are compensable, even if they occur during a commute.

California law emphasizes that whenever an employee is under the employer’s control, that time is considered work time and must be paid.

Common Employer Violations in Orange County

Unpaid travel time claims in Orange County often arise because employers misunderstand or deliberately misapply the law. Frequent violations include:

• Treating required travel between worksites as unpaid commuting.
• Denying pay for time spent transporting tools, equipment, or co-workers to job sites.
• Failing to compensate workers for mandatory travel outside of normal work hours.
• Misclassifying employees as exempt or independent contractors to avoid paying travel time.
• Ignoring time spent waiting during employer-controlled travel, such as on company shuttles.

These practices can result in significant wage losses, especially for employees in industries such as construction, healthcare, sales, and field services where travel is routine.

Compensation Available for Orange County Unpaid Travel Time Claims

Employees who successfully pursue unpaid travel time claims may recover more than the wages originally denied. Available remedies under California law include:

Back Pay

Back pay is compensation for all unpaid travel hours.   .

Overtime Wages

Time that, when added to weekly totals, exceeds daily or weekly overtime limits must be paid at overtime rates.

If you were not compensated for travel time that resulted in overtime, our unpaid overtime lawyers in Orange County can help you seek the pay you deserve.

Interest on Unpaid Wages

Compensation for the delay in receiving lawful pay.

Waiting Time Penalties

Up to 30 days of additional pay if the employer willfully failed to pay wages owed at the time of separation.

Statutory Penalties

Additional damages for violations of California Labor Code requirements.

Attorney’s Fees and Costs

Recovery of expenses for pursuing the claim.

By filing an unpaid travel time claim in Orange County, employees not only recover lost income but also enforce their rights under California’s strong wage protections.

Filing an Unpaid Travel Time Claim in Orange County

Workers can file claims with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or pursue a lawsuit in court. The process generally includes:

• Collecting evidence such as schedules, mileage logs, time records, and employer communications.
• Filing a claim within the applicable statute of limitations, usually three years for wage claims.
• Attending hearings or mediation sessions where both employee and employer present evidence.
• Seeking a judgment or settlement that includes all owed compensation and penalties.

Because employers often dispute these claims, having detailed records strengthens an employee’s case.

Why Hiring an Orange County Wage & Hour Lawyer Is Critical

A wage and hour lawyer in Orange County ensures that employees build the strongest case possible by:

• Determining whether the specific travel qualifies as compensable time.
• Calculating accurate damages, including unpaid wages, overtime, and penalties.
• Filing timely claims with the California Labor Commissioner or in civil court.
• Protecting employees from retaliation after filing a complaint.
• Negotiating settlements or litigating in court when employers refuse to comply with the law.

Without legal guidance, employees risk losing compensation or missing critical deadlines. An Orange County wage and hour lawyer provides the knowledge and advocacy necessary to recover unpaid travel time wages and hold employers accountable.

Contact Us

If you believe your employer failed to pay you for travel time, our Orange County wage and hour attorneys are ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (949) 379-6250 or contact us online today to arrange a free consultation.