Judge Temporarily Halts Boston's Hybrid Cab Law

A federal judge has ordered the city of Boston to stop enforcing a rule requiring taxicab owners to buy hybrid vehicles by 2015, until he can determine if it conflicts with federal pollution laws.

Paul Merry, a lawyer for the Boston Taxi Owners Association, said the ruling is a victory for more than 100 cabbies who have filed a lawsuit over the new law.

"The concern is that many cab operators believe if this rule is not modified, it's going to cause a lot of disruption, a lot of people are going to lose jobs and a lot of these people are new to this country," Merry said.

Taxi industry officials have been fighting for the right to buy used hybrids, which they say can save money up-front and on insurance.

Boston officials said they will comply with the temporary injunction while the city considers its next move.