The answer is no. First note that we can construct a curve in $\textbf{R}^2$ with exactly $4$ critical points of curvature which intersects itself as many times as desired, as shown for instance in the picture below. Transfer this curve to $\mathbf{S^2}$ via stereographic projection, which will preserve critical points of curvature. So we obtain a spherical curve whose torsion changes sign exactly $4$ times. Perturbing this curve we obtain a simple closed curve in $\mathbf{R}^3$ which has exactly $4$ points of vanishing torsion but intersects some plane many times. [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/6HifppGB.png