Ding dong ditch—the prank of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—may seem harmless, but in Montana, it can carry legal consequences.
Montana Law: No Specific Statute, But Trespassing Applies
- No direct law: Montana does not have a law specifically naming “ding dong ditch” as illegal.
- Criminal trespass: However, the prank can be prosecuted under Montana’s criminal trespass laws. According to Montana Code 45-6-203, a person commits criminal trespass to property if they knowingly enter or remain unlawfully on someone else’s premises.
- Simply stepping onto someone’s property to ring their doorbell can qualify as trespassing, especially if you have no legitimate reason to be there or if the homeowner objects.
- Penalties: Criminal trespass in Montana can result in a fine of up to $500, jail time up to six months, or both.
Other Potential Charges
- Criminal mischief or harassment: If the prank causes damage or repeated disturbance, it could also lead to charges like criminal mischief or harassment, especially if it happens late at night or repeatedly.
- Disturbing the peace: If the act causes a significant disturbance—such as waking residents or scaring them—police may cite you for disorderly conduct.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
- Police warnings: Montana police departments, such as in Missoula, have warned that “ding dong ditch” incidents can disturb the community and may result in criminal charges.
- Escalation risks: In Montana, where many homeowners are armed and vigilant, pranks like this can be risky and may be misinterpreted as attempted burglary or a threat, potentially leading to dangerous confrontations.
Summary Table
| Action | Possible Charge(s) | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Ding dong ditch (once) | Criminal trespass | Up to $500 fine, up to 6 months jail |
| Repeated/late night | Trespass, mischief, or disorderly conduct | Fines, jail, or both |
| Causing damage | Criminal mischief | Additional penalties |
While Montana does not have a law specifically banning ding dong ditch, the prank can easily be prosecuted as criminal trespass or even more serious offenses if it causes disturbance or damage. Homeowners and police take these incidents seriously, and the risks—both legal and personal—are significant. Think twice before playing this prank in Montana.
Sources:
- https://mooseradio.com/doorbell-camera-pranks-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
- https://theriver979.com/ding-dong-ditch-in-montana/
- https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoula-police-caution-residents-about-doorbell-pranks/article_e68c5c83-25dc-4c55-b15f-4e90ec3d9b9b.html