Is the ‘ding-dong-ditch’ doorbell game a harmless prank or a crime? What NC law says.

Steven Matthews Jr.
The News & Observer

Summer is here and that means school is out for most. Kids of all ages are taking off their backpacks and embracing summer freedom.

With all their newly granted free time, kids are looking for creative ways to have fun. Some kids go outside to play sports and some may engage in pranks, like ding-dong-ditch.

But is this doorbell game a harmless prank or a minor crime?

Here’s what North Carolina law says about the practice.

What is ‘ding-dong-ditch’?

Dictionary.com defines “ding-dong-ditching” as: “a children’s prank involving ringing someone’s doorbell and running away before they answer.”

Ding-dong ditch is commonly played by elementary school-age children.

Why are some people upset by ding-dong-ditch?

Homeowners often express opinions about ding-dong ditch on social media sites like NextDoor.

Concerns have been raised for injured residents, who might struggle to go to the door for a prank, or new parents who just got a fussy baby to go to sleep. Others raised concerns about elderly residents who live alone and might be afraid after opening the door and seeing no one there.

Some residents have expressed concerns about the safety of kids doing the ding-dong-ditching. After news reports of a teen trying to pick up siblings being shot when he rang the doorbell at the wrong house in Kansas City in April, there is a fear that some homeowners could react in a violent or unpredictable way to pranksters.

Is ding-dong ditching illegal in North Carolina?

We asked Irving Joyner, a professor of law at North Carolina Central University, to answer this question.

“There is no North Carolina offense which speaks directly to this practice which appears to be more of a nuisance than a violation of the criminal law,” Joyner said. “This conduct would not constitute trespass since people who come to your door are generally considered invitees.”

The front porch is considered open to the public because it is a way to enter the household or get the attention of the homeowners. Although this consideration can be withdrawn by the homeowner with an affirmative step, Joyner said, such as putting up a sign.

Although there is no law against ding-dong ditch in North Carolina, it is illegal in other states such as

  • California

  • Florida

  • Alabama

  • New York

What can you do to keep people off your property?

There are signs that a homeowner can put up to try to keep unwelcome visitors away, including:

  • “No Trespassing”

  • “Private Property”

  • “No solicitors”

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