In Maine, the prank known as “ding dong ditch”—ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and then running away—is not explicitly illegal under state law. Law enforcement and local officials have confirmed that while the act itself is not a crime, it can still lead to serious consequences, both legal and personal.
Potential Legal Consequences
While Maine does not have a specific statute banning ding dong ditch, the prank can cross into illegal territory under certain circumstances:
- Trespassing: If you enter private property without permission, you could potentially be charged with trespassing, especially if you ignore warnings or repeat the behavior.
- Disorderly Conduct or Disturbing the Peace: If the prank is done late at night or repeatedly to the same household, it could be considered disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace, which are chargeable offenses in Maine.
- Property Damage: If the prank involves damaging property (e.g., kicking doors), criminal mischief or vandalism charges could apply.
Real-World Dangers
Recent incidents in Maine have shown that ding dong ditching can have dangerous, even life-threatening, consequences. In July 2024, a Harrison, Maine resident fired multiple gunshots at teens playing ding dong ditch, injuring one.
The shooter was arrested and charged with serious crimes, but the incident also highlighted the risks pranksters face, as startled or frightened homeowners may react unpredictably.
Law Enforcement Perspective
Local sheriffs and police chiefs have stated that, while ding dong ditch is not technically illegal, it is disruptive and can escalate quickly. Police often warn pranksters or bring them home to their parents, but repeated offenses or pranks that cause fear or damage can result in criminal charges.
Summary Table
| Action | Is It Illegal in Maine? |
|---|---|
| One-time ding dong ditch | Not explicitly illegal |
| Repeated pranks | Could be disorderly conduct |
| Trespassing on property | Can be charged as trespassing |
| Causing property damage | Criminal mischief/vandalism |
| Late-night disturbance | Disorderly conduct/noise violation |
Ding dong ditching is not specifically illegal in Maine, but it can quickly lead to legal trouble if it involves trespassing, repeated harassment, property damage, or disturbing the peace.
More importantly, it can provoke dangerous reactions from homeowners, as recent incidents have shown. Law enforcement urges parents and teens to recognize that what may seem like a harmless prank can have very real—and sometimes severe—consequences.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmWzwC8G_Ig
- https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
- https://www.sunjournal.com/2024/07/22/teen-ding-dong-ditch-prankster-shot-in-harrison/
- https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-it-allowed-to-ding-dong-ditch–5329846.html