A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to halt New York City's congestion pricing program, which would charge drivers $9 to enter Manhattan's central business district during peak hours.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled Tuesday that the Department of Transportation does not have the authority to unilaterally rescind approval of the toll program, which was previously approved by the Biden administration. The judge noted that the New York state legislature had passed the congestion pricing measure and it was signed into law by the governor before federal approvals were sought.

The congestion pricing program represents the first of its kind in the United States and is designed to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan while generating revenue for the region's transit system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has argued the program is necessary to fund improvements to aging subway and bus infrastructure.

The Trump administration had moved to block implementation of the toll program after taking office, setting up a legal battle over federal oversight of state transportation initiatives. The program has faced opposition from some suburban lawmakers and commuter groups who argue it unfairly burdens drivers traveling into Manhattan for work.

The ruling allows New York officials to proceed with implementing the congestion pricing system, though the timeline for launch remains unclear. The program is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually for transit improvements once operational.