New Hampshire’s drunk driving laws could get some more bite if legislators pass a bill requested by the Department of Safety.

Senate Bill 282 would allow the commissioner of safety to request an administrative hearing before returning the driver’s license or driving privileges to anyone who lost either after a conviction for drunk driving, aggravated drunk driving, reckless driving that involved alcohol, negligent homicide that resulted from drunken driving, or being a habitual drunk driver.

If the hearing determines that the installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender’s vehicle would enhance the safety of the offender or the public, the commissioner would be authorized to require the installation of the device.

It is, as Newt Gingrich might say, mildly amazing that this is not already law. Legislators should pass the bill. It is not a cure-all, but it would be another tool the state could use to help reduce the still far too common incidence of habitual drunk driving.