The start of New York City congestion pricing can proceed as scheduled, a federal judge ruled Friday evening.A hearing began Friday afternoon, and it was a tense four-hour wait before the judge's decision came down.

Congestion tolling is scheduled to start on January 5 in NYC, barring any last minute legal challenges. The path to this point has been long and confusing — so drivers have many questions about the MTA’s plan to reduce congestion and raise funds for mass transit improvements.

A Friday hearing could block MTA's proposed $9 congestion pricing toll in effect on Jan. 5 as New Jersey urges the MTA to reconsider the decision.