Waymo van successfully navigates intersection with broken traffic light [Video]

The autonomous vehicle follows a traffic cop's commands.

Waymo has posted a video showing one of its autonomous Chrysler Pacifica vans successfully navigating a police-controlled intersection.

The traffic light was apparently malfunctioning or without power. The van still recognizes the need to stop, however, follows the officer's hand motions.

"The car comes to a stop before entering the intersection and waits for the officer signal that we can proceed," the company says.

Such scenarios may seem of little significance to human drivers but represent unique unpredictability that some autonomous vehicle developers may have trouble dealing with. The car must stop despite no illuminated red light, then follow instructions from a traffic cop or proceed as if the intersection is a four-way stop.

Some companies may utilize teams of humans remotely monitoring their fleet to help vehicles deal with circumstances that confuse the autonomous driving system.