It depends. If you show up too early for your shift, or if you're running late (and are crossing your fingers for a buddy punch), an employer can make you wait to clock in so that actual, recorded, and scheduled working hours add up correctly. This helps to avoid time theft However, it's different if an employer tells you to wait to clock in for your scheduled shift when it's not too busy when you show up. In some parts of the country, this can be considered a violation of required advance notice of hours, which can result in fines to the restaurant.