Can employers require employees to take vacation time?

Yes. There is an exception, however. Employers can require employees to use vacation time provided that the employee is not covered under the California Pregnancy Disability provisions. Under the PDL, an employer cannot require the use of vacation time. Furthermore, employers are not permitted to force the use of vacation unless you give reasonable advance notice if you require the use of, or prohibit the use of, vacation at a specific time. Typically, reasonable advance notice is 90 days or not less than one full fiscal quarter, whichever is greater.