Ding dong ditch—ringing a doorbell and running away as a prank—is not specifically illegal under Idaho state law. However, the act can lead to legal trouble depending on how it’s carried out and whether it escalates or repeats.
What Idaho Law Says
- Not Explicitly Illegal: There is no state law that directly bans ding dong ditching in Idaho. A single, harmless instance is unlikely to result in criminal charges3.
- Potential Misdemeanors: If the prank is repeated, happens late at night, causes significant annoyance, or frightens residents, it can cross into misdemeanor territory such as:
- Disturbing the Peace: Repeated or disruptive pranks can lead to charges of disturbing the peace, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
- Harassment: If the prank is targeted or persistent, it could be considered harassment, also a misdemeanor.
- Property Damage: If the prank involves damaging property (e.g., kicking or breaking doors), more serious charges like vandalism or criminal mischief may apply.
- Performance Crimes: Law enforcement has warned about “performance crimes” where pranks are filmed for social media, which can escalate and result in criminal charges, especially if property is damaged or people are put at risk.
How Charges Are Filed
- Police Must Witness the Crime: For misdemeanors like disturbing the peace or harassment, police typically need to witness the act to make an arrest. Otherwise, a resident could use a citizen’s arrest if the crime is committed in their presence and must promptly deliver the individual to authorities.
Local Law Enforcement Stance
- Warnings and Parental Notification: Police may issue warnings, contact parents, or cite minors for related infractions such as curfew violations if the prank occurs late at night.
- Community Concerns: Law enforcement in Idaho, especially in places like Boise and Star, take these incidents seriously when they escalate or are part of social media challenges, emphasizing the risk of criminal charges and potential danger.
Bottom Line
- Ding dong ditching is not explicitly illegal in Idaho.
- It can become illegal if it is repeated, disruptive, frightening, or causes property damage, leading to misdemeanor charges like disturbing the peace or harassment.
- Police and communities take these pranks seriously—especially when they escalate or are part of social media trends.
Advice: What starts as a harmless prank can quickly become a legal issue if it disturbs, frightens, or angers residents, or if it’s repeated or destructive. Always consider the potential consequences before participating in or encouraging these activities.
Sources:
- https://mix106radio.com/is-ding-dong-ditch-illegal-in-idaho/
- https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article275238381.html
- https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-dingdong-ditching-illegal-in-idaho-if-it-is-wha-261884.html
- https://idahonews.com/news/local/vandalism-for-views-ada-county-sheriff-concerned-about-performance-crime