Abstract: Technology is described for a height pole detection system for detecting a height of an overhead object from a moving vehicle. The height pole detection system can include a laser operable to emit a plurality of laser light pulses substantially upwards. The height pole detection system can include a laser light detector operable to detect one or more of the plurality of laser light pulses that are emitted from the laser and subsequently reflected from the overhead object. The height pole detection system can include an ambient light filter enclosure operable to partially surround the laser light detector. The ambient light filter enclosure can include an optical absorbing material for absorbing ambient light that is not reflected from the overhead object. The height pole detection system can enable detection of the height of the overhead objects based on a time of flight of detected laser light pulses.