Ding dong ditching is not directly illegal under Montana law, but it can easily become a criminal offense due to Montana’s strict trespassing statutes.
How Montana Law Applies
Under Montana Code 45-6-203, criminal trespass to property occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully on another’s premises. Ringing a stranger’s doorbell and fleeing—classic ding dong ditch—can be interpreted as entering upon property without permission, which technically meets the definition of trespassing.
- Penalties for criminal trespass in Montana may include fines of up to $500 or jail time up to six months, or both.
- Local police departments, such as Missoula PD, have issued warnings in 2025 that what may seem like a harmless prank could result in trespassing or even more serious charges, especially if pranks happen late at night or create disturbances.
Enforcement and Warnings
Recent trends—often linked to social media—have led Montana law enforcement to caution against the prank. Police urge residents not to confront pranksters themselves, but instead to report the activity through official channels.
- Participating in repeated or disruptive doorbell pranks may increase the risk of legal consequences, especially if the property owner presses charges or if the act escalates to harassment or property damage.
While there is no law that names ding dong ditch specifically, the prank is likely illegal if it involves trespassing or causes any disturbance—and those caught may face fines or a misdemeanor record in Montana.
Sources
(https://theriver979.com/ding-dong-ditch-in-montana/)
(https://963theblaze.com/doorbell-pranks-prompt-warning-from-missoula-pd/)
(https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoula-police-caution-residents-about-doorbell-pranks/article_e68c5c83-25dc-4c55-b15f-4e90ec3d9b9b.html)
(https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0060/part_0020/section_0030/0450-0060-0020-0030.html)
(https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_ebqKyokj/)
