Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Pre-screen employment question

Is it legal to ask a potential employee how many miles (how far) they live from work? Thank you.


Asked on 10/06/06, 12:40 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Beth Mora Cooper & Mora, A Professional Corporation

Re: Pre-screen employment question

There is nothing illegal about that question. I am certain that your gut tells you that the question tends to lean towards something inappropriate. But, nothing illegal in the question per se. Sorry.

However, if there is more information you wish to share, please do so. Maybe there is something else going on.

Best of luck, Beth Mora

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Answered on 10/10/06, 5:23 pm
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Pre-screen employment question

There isn't any specific law prohibiting an employer from asking how many miles you live from work. However, if the effect of eliminating from consideration, candidates who live outside a particular area is discriminatory, it could be illegal. For example, if the employer is located in an upscale, white neighborhood, and qualified minorities from less affluent neighborhoods are turned down due solely to where they live, this would arguably be an illegal practice.

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Answered on 10/10/06, 5:25 pm


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