A system and method for initiation and control of passive regeneration (38) of a diesel particulate filter (34), and the integration of that regeneration strategy with an active regeneration strategy (36) and a strategy (40, 40A) for inhibiting passive regeneration. Passive regeneration can be initiated by driver actuation of an instrument panel device, such as a switch, while the vehicle is parked with the engine idling provided that certain conditions confirming that the vehicle is parked and the engine is at proper temperature are satisfied. Regeneration is inhibited by driver actuation of another switch for a maximum amount of time that may be shorter, or even prevented if DPF loading is too high.