Ding dong ditching—ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—is not specifically named as a crime in New York law, but it can be illegal depending on the circumstances and how the act is perceived by the homeowner or law enforcement. In New York, ding dong ditching may be prosecuted under several legal categories, including trespassing, disorderly conduct, or harassment.
Under New York Penal Law § 140.05, trespassing occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains unlawfully on another person’s property. If you step onto someone’s property to ring their doorbell without permission, especially if there are “No Trespassing” signs or you have been previously warned to stay away, you could be charged with trespass. Trespass is considered a violation (not a misdemeanor or felony), but it can still result in penalties such as up to 15 days in jail.
If the act is repeated, targeted, or causes significant annoyance or distress, it could also be considered disorderly conduct under New York Penal Law § 240.20, which covers behavior that disturbs the peace or causes a public nuisance. Penalties for disorderly conduct can include fines or, in more serious cases, arrest. If the ding dong ditching is persistent or intended to intimidate or harass a specific individual, it could escalate to a charge of harassment.
In practice, first-time or minor incidents often result in warnings, especially for juveniles. However, law enforcement may pursue charges if the behavior is repeated, causes fear, or is accompanied by other disruptive actions. Homeowners are advised not to take matters into their own hands, as overreacting (such as using physical force) can lead to legal trouble for the homeowner instead.
Ding dong ditching can be illegal in New York if it is considered trespassing, disorderly conduct, or harassment, particularly if it is repeated or causes distress. What may seem like a harmless prank can have legal consequences, so it is important to understand and respect the law.
Sources
[1] https://www.lawlegalhub.com/is-it-illegal-to-ding-dong-ditch/
[2] https://www.legalreach.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-illegal-it%E2%80%99s-more-serious-than-you-might-think
[3] https://criminaldefense.1800nynylaw.com/new-york-penal-law-140-05-trespass.html
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ding-dong-ditch-leads-to-charges-for-homeowner/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
