All about ‘knocking’: is it illegal and can parents be fined?

SOME children’s jokes have stood the test of time, like running from doors.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the game, including whether you risk a fine if your children play the game.

1

What is knock-a-door run?

Knock-a-door run is a prank where you knock on someone’s front door and then run away before the person can open it.

The game, which is usually played by children, can at best provide mild entertainment, but at worst can confuse or anger people.

Besides ‘knock-a-door run’ it has many other names including:

• Knock, knock, ginger (UK)
• Knock down ginger (UK)
• Knock and Go (UK)
• Ding, dong, ditch (US)
• Call and Run (US)
• Chappy (Scotland)

The joke dates back to 19th century Britain and the common name knock down ginger is said to come from an old English poem.

Is knock down ginger illegal?

Although the game is generally harmless, playing knock down ginger can have serious legal consequences.

Under the Town Police Clauses Act of 1847, it is against the law to “willfully and wilfully disturb any citizen by ringing or ringing any doorbell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse.”

Even if a child does not break the law, he or she can still be charged with trespassing or disturbing the peace. These are civil offenses.

Can I get a fine if I play knock down ginger?

In theory, under the Metropolitan Police Act 1854, you could be fined £500 if your child causes a nuisance by playing ginger.

Furthermore, violation of the 1847 law could be punished with up to 14 days in prison.

Although the prank is formally illegal, it is highly unlikely that these laws will be enforced, especially when children are involved.

There are many more old laws in the UK that the police regularly ignore, such as those that make it illegal to be drunk in a pub, to honk aggressively or to go sledging. None of these laws are fully enforced.