The Boston Globe today reports on a sad state of affairs in Massachusetts. According to the Globe, many convicted drunk drivers are getting their licenses back before their respective suspensions have ended. Although “Melanie’s Law” went into effect last fall, convicted Massachusetts drunk drivers may still request a “hardship license” based on their individual needs to have their driving privileges reinstated prior to the termination of their license suspension.

The Hearing Officers at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles must get tougher and refuse requests for “hardship licenses.” In my opinion, no matter how onerous the consequences for drunk drivers, they should not be granted “hardship licenses,” except, only in the most rare and exceptional circumstances where enforcing the suspension would no longer serve a valid public purpose.