Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

How to Make Three-Point Turns

Three-point turns and other slow-speed maneuvers can easily result in minor collisions, so it's important to execute them in a safe way.

July 19, 2019
How to Make Three-Point Turns

Three-point turns and other slow-speed maneuvers can easily result in minor collisions, so it's important to execute them in a safe way.

Screenshot via Smart Test Drive.

2 min to read


Because a three-point turn is generally a slow speed maneuver, it is also considered a safe move. However, commercial drivers should be reminded never to rush this move as failure to focus can result in backing into a curb or even a pedestrian.

Though it's a relatively safe turn, when improperly executed, three-point turns can also result in fender benders or minor collisions.

Ad Loading...

Three-point turns are best done on quiet dead end or residential streets, though you may do a three-point on a street with moderate traffic if it's safe. Experts advise drivers follow these steps to properly execute a safe, smooth three-point turn:

  • Signal to the right, do a shoulder check and mirror check, pull over to the right.

  • Stop on the side of the road.

  • Now put left signal on, do a mirror and shoulder check.

  • If you are on a street with traffic traveling in two directions, make sure to look both ways to ensure traffic is not coming from either direction.

  • Once you determine the road is clear, move out to the left, steer all the way to the left , when you get to the centerline, straighten the wheels out and drive all the way to the curb on the other side.

  • When you reach the curb on the other side, put your right signal on, and put the vehicle in reverse.

  • Do a 360-degree scan to ensure no traffic is coming.

  • Begin to back up, and when the vehicle starts to move, steer all the way to the right while looking over your right shoulder.

  • As you get to the centerline, straighten your wheels out and look over your left shoulder because the vehicle is on an angle it will be the left, rear wheel that reaches the curb first — you want to be able to see it, so you know when to stop.

  • When you get near the curb, put your left signal on, do a 360 scan, signal to the left.

  • Now look in the direction you want to go, steer the vehicle and accelerate in the path you want to travel.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorectly stated that three-point turns should be made on one-way streets.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Safety

A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 1, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Promotional graphic for a Utilimarc guide titled How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48% featuring a call-to-action to download the guide.
SponsoredJuly 17, 2026

How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48%

Fleet leaders don't need more data, they need clearer visibility into what the data is saying. This case study explores how one utility replaced speeding-event counts with a single metric — miles driven in violation — to strengthen safety and significantly reduce speeding violations.

Read More →
Smiling commercial truck driver gives a thumbs-up from inside a tractor cab during Operation Safe Driver Week 2026, highlighting fleet safety, responsible driving and enforcement awareness.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJuly 16, 2026

Operation Safe Driver Week: Why the Industry's Oldest Safety Campaign Still Matters to Fleets

A look at how a 2007 enforcement initiative became one of the most consequential weeks on the fleet safety calendar, and what it means for your drivers in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nexar and nauto logos
Safetyby StaffJuly 13, 2026

Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset

Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.

Read More →
A black square with white color font text
SponsoredJuly 2, 2026

From Silos to Solutions: Relationship Management for Safer Fleets

From telematics adoption and driver accountability to policy consistency and risk mitigation, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a safer fleet culture without slowing business down.

Read More →
IIHS HLDI text overlaid on the trunks of pick up trucks.
Safetyby Chris BrownJuly 2, 2026

IIHS Launches First Commercial Vehicle Safety Evaluations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has begun evaluating heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans for driver protection. Which models earned top marks?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white Automotive Fleet podcast logo
SafetyJuly 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Hosted with the cofounder of Lifesaver Mobile, this episode addresses phone use behind the wheel and how to design a driving environment that actually helps prevents accidents.

Read More →
Two people sit across from each other at a desk during a business meeting. One person, wearing a white shirt, has their hands folded while the other gestures with a pen toward documents clipped to a clipboard. Additional paperwork and a calculator are visible on the table, suggesting a discussion involving contracts, finances, or administrative paperwork. Sunlight filters through window blinds in the background, creating a professional office setting.
TelematicsJuly 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-Time Prevention (Part 2 of 2)

Part Two: Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Continue learning more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
SafetyJune 26, 2026

How 5-Second Telematics Data Is Changing Fleet Safety

This episode connects with Steve Santostasi of Ford Pro and covers how a few seconds of data can make a difference in fleet safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technician inspecting a vehicle engine during maintenance as fleets prepare for summer heat, focusing on battery health, cooling systems, and preventing downtime.
Maintenanceby Faith HowellJune 18, 2026

The Two Biggest Summer Downtime Threats for Fleets

A conversation with a maintenance expert reveals the two most common summer maintenance pains and how to prevent them.

Read More →