With certain limited exceptions, you must acquire the required work permits before employing a minor. Permits are required year round, even when school is not in session. A work permit limits on the maximum number of work days and hours allowed for the minor and the spread of hours permitted. The spread of hours is the earliest time a minor can start work and the latest time he/she can end work each day. The permit can also contain limitations on other aspects of the minor’s work. The back of the work permit contains a summary of restricted occupations based on a minor’s age and legal restrictions on hours of work.