The comment from
@vc commodore that “no passenger tyre can be legally plugged“ is both correct and incorrect. However, I suspect any contention is more an issue of terminology causing misunderstanding than anything else..
I took it that “plugged” meant those
rope tyre plugs which are inserted from the outside of the tyre and should only be used as an emergency or temporary repair. Such plugs are legal if used for that purpose. A permanent repair requires "
mushroom type plugs which can only be inserted from the inside of the tyre and only within the main tread ares after inspection for any internal damage shows none. As is, what is an allowable permanant repair is clearly defined within an industry standard and especially clear within the VicRoads doc I linked to.
The more contentious part of the statement is the the term “illegal”, which may be taken as something not done according to an industry standards. That could be seen as correct by some as failing to abide by an industry standard has consequences with some weight of law behind it. In that context, which is a loose interpretation of legal, can indeed mean rope plugs are illegal.
But, i prefer "legal" to be interpreted in a strict definition with respect to law. As yet, I haven't found any legislation that defines such rope plugs as illegal. And as industry codes use wishy washy terms like "should not" rather than clear unambiguous terms on sees in legislation like "must not", I prefer to see it as "plugs are not recommended" rather than "illegal". Some may see that as a little on the pedantic side which is why I said "both correct and incorrect" in my 1st paragraph above.
In any case many 4x4’s carry those rope type tyre repair kits and use them as emergency or temporary repair to get them back to civilisation where a permanent fix can be applied or a new tyre bought... Supposedly they work well but I wouldn't trust them long term. Any businesses that uses such rope plugs as a permanent repair, if they understand their legal liability in doing such and like to keep their assets safe from lawsuites, they’d stay away from such rope plug repairs as well.
Sadly, what is without a doubt is that there are a large number of dodgy businesses out their doing the wrong thing. For one, I’m happy such industry codes exist and industry codes of practice are somewhat backed up in law (as is quality of service provisions within ACL) BUT I’d prefer the unambiguous clarity of legislation.
So lets not get caught up too much in definitions as rope type plug repairs should be avoided unless no other choice is available and your stuck in woop woop or up ship creek....
The best repair is always a new tyre... especially in a performance sedan
I‘d think/hope forum members would all agree on that