CONCORD, NH — Drunk-driving checkpoints would be outlawed in New Hampshire under a new bill proposed by five Republican state lawmakers. Sobriety checkpoints have been a staple in the Granite State for the last decade, resulting in scores of arrests for drunk driving and other offenses. Police maintain checkpoints are an important deterrent; critics say they are unreasonable searches that violate citizens' rights.

Drunk-driving checkpoints have been conducted by police agencies across nearly every corner of New Hampshire in recent years. Under current law, police are required to obtain a judge's approval for a checkpoint and publicize it in the media before holding one. The checkpoints are usually held late at night; police select drivers and engage them in conversation to determine if they are driving impaired.

A group of five Republican state representatives — Brian Stone, of Northwood; Michael Costable, of Raymond; Larry Gagne, of Manchester; Kevin Verville, of Deerfield; and Scott Wallace, of Danville — sponsored House Bill 1283, which would outlaw drunk-driving checkpoints in New Hampshire. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which on Tuesday approved it by a vote of 12-8, according to the Concord Monitor.

