With one of the main titular characters missing, the plot of the film revolves instead around Sheriff Buford T. Justice ("Smokey"), with the presence of the Bandit merely being suggested through him being impersonated by Cledus ("Snowman").

Big and Little Enos Burdette offer retiring Sheriff Buford T. Justice a wager, betting $250,000 against his badge on his ability to transport a large statue shark from Miami to Austin, Texas.

Cledus parks his semi truck at his house, puts on a disguise as the Bandit, leaves Fred with Freida for company, went to Bo Darville's garage to get in the new black and gold Pontiac Trans Am (Grandson of Trigger), and sets off to get the shark.

Buford pursues on the remaining two tires, first through a herd of cattle, then through parked boats, then a nudist camp, then through a field where the Burdettes set off explosions, one of which destroys the car except the engine, seat, and lights, the latter of which Junior is holding above his head.

Cledus deliberately slows down so Junior can retrieve the shark from the Trans Am, allowing Buford to successfully complete the bet.

Reportedly test audiences reacted poorly, finding Gleason's two roles confusing, so the studio opted to do re-shoots in April 1983.

[6] Smokey and the Bandit Part 3: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette tape by MCA Records in 1983.

[9] Janet Maslin of The New York Times gave the film a negative review: "The already skimpy running time of Smokey and the Bandit, Part 3 is padded by an opening montage of earlier Smokey scenes, including shots of Burt Reynolds lounging in a zebra-print hammock.

An interminable car chase punctuated by dumb stunts and even dumber dialogue, plus the well-worth-missing sight of Paul Williams in a dress".

[8] Variety magazine staff wrote: "The sense of fun in that original is missing and the countless smashups and near-misses are orchestrated randomly".