Under what conditions can a driver use the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated specifically to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion. The correct choice indicates that a minimum of two passengers are required in the vehicle to utilize these lanes. This regulation is designed to maximize the efficiency of road usage by promoting shared vehicle travel, which can decrease the number of cars on the road and lower emissions.

Utilizing these lanes requires at least two occupants: the driver and at least one passenger. This rule is part of broader efforts to encourage alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, thereby supporting both environmental considerations and traffic management.

The other options do not fit the established regulations regarding HOV lane usage. For example, using the HOV lane with any number of passengers implies that it could potentially allow single-occupancy vehicles, which contradicts the purpose of these lanes. Driving alone is explicitly not permitted in HOV lanes, and the stipulation of only using these lanes during emergencies is not coherent with the general purpose or rules established for their use.