World Notes WEST GERMANY

A few choice words usually come to the mind of a driver when he is stopped by the police, but Bavarians have a very expensive reason to think twice before uttering any unseemly thoughts. According to a survey by the Munich newspaper Abendzeitung, Bavarians who vilify traffic officers as damischer Bullen (stupid bull) are fined an average of $1,710. Some less costly imprecations include Raubritter (robber baron) at $1,140, Depp (idiot) at $513 and Stinkstiefel (smelly boot), a relative bargain at $51.

Words need not be spoken for an officer's honor to be impugned. A flip of the middle finger could cost $855. And if any of Bavaria's road demons think that being friendly will help them, they should think again. Those found . guilty of addressing police with the familiar Du rather than the more formal Sie are fined an average of $1,283.