Are tyre plugs legal in the UK?

Tyre plug legality

An external-only plug, applied from outside the tyre without removing it from the rim, is not considered a permanent legal repair under British Standard BS AU 159.

What is acceptable

The approved repair method is a combination plug-and-patch applied from inside the tyre by a professional. This requires removing the tyre from the rim, inspecting the interior for damage, and applying both a plug and an internal patch.

External plugs can be used as a temporary emergency measure to get you to a garage, but they should be replaced with a proper internal repair as soon as possible.