Queens Judge Rules Key Portion of Mayor's Vision Zero Plan is Unconstitutional

A Queens judge has ruled that a key part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero plan is unconstitutional.

The case centers on the city's "Right of Way" law, which hands out civil and criminal penalties to drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians or cyclists that have the right of way.

The criminal penalties are meant to crack down on dangerous driving.

However, the judge said the law is unconstitutional because it uses the same standard to prove negligence that's used in less serious civil cases.

She argued the criminal cases should be held to higher standards like reckless or intentional behavior.

The Mayor's Office issued a statement saying the law is important in efforts to lower the amount of deaths and injuries on city streets.

If the case were to be appealed, the Queens district attorney would have to take over. The DA's office says it is studying the decision and weighing its options to appeal.