By federal law, 17-year-olds may drive cars and small trucks on public roads as part of their jobs, but only in limited circumstances such as during daylight hours. Workers under the age of 17 may not drive motor vehicles on public roads as part of their jobs, even if they possess a valid state driver's license. Fourteen- and 15-years-old may work only in certain specified jobs.

If your landscape company employs high school students, it's important to know that federal and state laws governing work for young people stipulate different requirements when school is in session. A recent release from Laura Fortman, the principal deputy administrator for the US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, seeks to clarify these differences.

Here are some of the key points it brought out. Federal law does not require a work permit for teens, however, some states do require work permits prior to getting a job. School guidance counselors should be able to tell you if one is needed in your state.

As for hours that young people are allowed to work, it varies by age. Federal law says that, in general, 14- and 15-year-olds can only work during non-school hours and for no more than three hours on a school day, including Fridays, and 18 hours total in a week. On weekends, holidays and school breaks, they can work eight hours a day and up to 40 hours in a week. And they can only work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year.

Federal law does not limit the number of hours or times of day for workers 16 years and older, but many states have enacted more restrictive labor laws and the higher minimum standard must be obeyed. There are also rules designating what jobs and tasks are allowed according to a person's age. Federal law says 14 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural work. However, at any age, young people may work in non-hazardous businesses owned by their parents. Regardless of who owns the business, those under 18 years of age must not be placed in hazardous occupations or given certain tasks deemed hazardous.

Here again, many states have enacted laws that are more restrictive. Occupational Safety and Health Administration also has rules that are intentionally designed to keep kids safe on the job, provide assurance to parents and give employers an opportunity to remain free from liability in the case of an injury.

And employers must usually pay young workers the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour, unless the state minimum wage is higher, in which case they must pay that wage. However, there is a limited federal exception that allows for a youth minimum wage on a short-term basis. More information can be found here.