D&D 5E Casting Touch spells on Allies in Combat

[muppetmuppet]

Are there any rules on this? In our games 20 years ago we used to rule that to cast a touch spell on an ally while they were in combat and actively trying to doge an enemy required a roll.

I had a look at the spell casting section of the 5th ed PHB and it doesn't seem to suggest anything. Is it all just covered by the idea that touch spells are now just 5 ft range in effect and it doesn't matter what the ally you are trying to touch is doing you can automatically succeed?

How about if the spellcaster is in combat too and dodging about making the whole thing even more difficult?

 

[OB1]

I’d say this goes back to the basic rules of the game, if the DM feels an outcome is uncertain you can ask the players to roll against a DC to determine the outcome. If you rule that way I’d let the players know before they use the slot that it will require an additional roll so they don’t feel blindsided.

 

[Blue]

If touch delivery could be uncertain, then a ranged spell would be at least as uncertain. The game has a specific mechanic for touch or ranged spells where it is uncertain if they can be delivered. It is a Spell Attack roll. For spells without a Spell Attack roll, the design intent seems to be clear that there is no uncertainty in delivery. It just happens.

 

[Oofta]

Typically people aren't trying to dodge out of the way of allies. I've never seen anyone place any restrictions on it nor are there any in the rules.