Ding dong ditch—the act of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—is a common prank, but its legality in Vermont depends on the circumstances and the way the prank is carried out.
Not Explicitly Illegal, But Risky
There is no Vermont law that specifically bans ding dong ditching. Simply ringing a doorbell and running away is not, by itself, a crime in Vermont. However, the situation can quickly change depending on the details of the prank.
Trespassing Laws
If you enter someone’s property to ring their doorbell, you could potentially be violating Vermont’s unlawful trespass statute. Under 13 V.S.A. § 3705, it is illegal to enter or remain on property after being told not to, or if there are clear signs or communication against trespassing.
If you ding dong ditch a property with “No Trespassing” signs, or if the owner or police have previously told you to stay away, you could be charged with unlawful trespass—a misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail or a $500 fine.
Disturbing the Peace and Disorderly Conduct
If the prank is repeated, done late at night, or causes significant annoyance or alarm, you could face charges like “noise at night” or disorderly conduct. For example, repeatedly targeting the same home or creating a disturbance could escalate the situation from a harmless prank to a criminal offense.
Unlawful Mischief
If any property is damaged during the prank—such as breaking a doorbell or damaging landscaping—Vermont’s unlawful mischief laws could apply, resulting in more serious penalties. Even seemingly minor pranks can lead to criminal charges if they result in property damage.
What Usually Happens?
First-time or minor offenders, especially minors, are often given a warning or a “stern talking to” by police, and may be taken home to their parents. However, repeated incidents, property damage, or ignoring warnings can result in citations or even criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
- Ding dong ditching is not specifically illegal in Vermont, but can become illegal if it involves trespassing, repeated disturbance, or property damage.
- You can be charged with unlawful trespass if you ignore “No Trespassing” signs or prior warnings.
- Noise, disorderly conduct, or mischief charges are possible if the prank escalates.
- Most first-time offenders receive warnings, but repeat or serious cases can lead to court.
While a single instance of ding dong ditching is unlikely to land you in serious legal trouble in Vermont, it can cross the line into illegality if it disturbs the peace, involves trespassing, or causes damage. It’s best to think twice before playing this prank, as what seems harmless can quickly become a legal issue.
Sources:
- https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-it-allowed-to-ding-dong-ditch–5329846.html
- https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/title-13/chapter-81/section-3705/
- https://burkelawvt.com/blog/when-does-a-prank-become-a-crime/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
- https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/13/081/03705