When is it best to use a 3-point turn?

Using a 3-point turn is best suited for situations where the road is too narrow for a U-turn. In such cases, a 3-point turn provides a practical and safe means of changing direction. The maneuver involves turning the steering wheel in one direction to move the vehicle forward while turning, then reversing while the wheel is turned in the opposite direction, and finally driving forward again to complete the turn. This technique is particularly advantageous on narrower roads where space does not permit the more sweeping arc of a U-turn.

In contrast, if the road is wide enough for a U-turn, it would be more efficient and less complicated to perform that maneuver instead. An emergency situation could call for various responses focused on safety rather than a specific turning technique, and while a stop sign is a point where a driver may need to stop and check for traffic before turning, it does not relate directly to the appropriateness of using a 3-point turn.