Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle engine exhaust include detecting a distance of an object from the exhaust and controlling a regeneration event if the distance is less than a threshold value. The system and method may include a particulate filter disposed in the exhaust of the vehicle and a proximity sensor disposed adjacent an exhaust opening and positioned to detect presence of an object near the opening. A controller in communication with the proximity sensor is adapted for controlling regeneration of the particulate filter in response to the proximity sensor detecting the object near the opening.