In New Hampshire, ding dong ditching—the prank of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—is not specifically mentioned in state law but can be illegal under broader legal categories. It is often viewed through the lens of laws related to disorderly conduct, harassment, or trespassing, depending on the circumstances.
- Disorderly Conduct: If the prank involves loud, disruptive, or repeated behavior that disturbs the peace, it may fall under New Hampshire’s disorderly conduct laws. This includes actions that cause discomfort or disturbance to others.
- Harassment: Repeated ding dong ditching aimed at a particular homeowner, causing significant distress or fear, could be classified as harassment, which carries legal penalties.
- Trespassing: If the prankster physically enters or remains on private property without permission—such as stepping onto a porch or lawn—it may be considered trespassing. This can lead to criminal charges even if no physical damage occurs.
- Potential Consequences: Legal penalties could range from fines and community service to criminal charges, especially if the prank causes harm, damage, or escalates in severity.
- Police Involvement: Homeowners disturbed by ding dong ditching may call the police, which can lead to warnings or more serious legal action depending on the behavior’s persistence and impact.
While ding dong ditching might seem like innocent fun in New Hampshire, it carries legal risks under laws covering disorderly conduct, harassment, and trespassing. The prank can result in fines, community service, or even criminal charges if it causes substantial disturbance, fear, or property intrusion. Pranksters should consider the potential consequences and respect others’ property and peace to avoid legal trouble.
Sources
(https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/01/is-it-illegal-to-ding-dong-ditch-in-new-hampshire-heres-what-the-law-says/)
(https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc)
(https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-it-allowed-to-ding-dong-ditch–5329846.html)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knock_down_ginger)
