Ding dong ditch—ringing someone’s doorbell and then running away—is not specifically named as an offense in South Carolina state law, but that does not mean it’s free from legal consequences. In most South Carolina municipalities, the act is generally regarded as a form of “criminal trespass” or “disturbing the peace.” This means that if you are caught ding dong ditching, especially if homeowners feel harassed or threatened, you could face legal repercussions.
Several localities, including the Town of Lamar, consider ding dong ditching a criminal violation. According to law enforcement advisories, entering someone’s property for the sole purpose of playing pranks like ding dong ditch without invitation or authorization can constitute criminal trespass. This can carry a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine if convicted. In addition, if the prank escalates or results in property damage—such as breaking something while running away, or other mischief like egging a house—those actions can result in charges of malicious injury to personal property, which may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the damage. Penalties range from up to 30 days in jail for property damage under $2,000, to several years in prison for more serious cases.
Some cities, such as Charleston, have specific ordinances outlawing the act of ringing doorbells or knocking on doors “for the purpose of annoying the occupants,” which clearly makes ding dong ditch a municipal code violation. Violators, if caught, can face charges under nuisance or harassment ordinances, and in the case of minors, parents may also be held financially responsible for their children’s actions according to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Moreover, law enforcement treat these complaints seriously, and officers can be dispatched if a resident reports suspicious activity related to ding dong ditch. Even repeated or late-night pranks may escalate to disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace charges. In all cases, the law prioritizes the safety, privacy, and peace of mind of residents over the so-called harmless fun of a prank.
In summary, while there isn’t a state law that says “ding dong ditch is illegal,” the way South Carolina’s laws on trespass, disturbing the peace, and local ordinances are written means anyone caught doing it could indeed be charged with a crime and face real legal consequences.
Sources
[1] https://lamarsc.org/public-service-announcements/
[2] https://thedanielislandnews.com/opinions/whats-deal-ding-dong-ditch
[3] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/08/04/is-it-illegal-to-ding-dong-ditch-in-south-carolina-heres-what-the-law-says/
[4] https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ztnp4-VPzEA
