Maples are typically pruned in spring once their leaves have filled out. From your pictures it appears if you take the lower branches off you may not be left with a nice shape. I would highly recommend you contact a local tree care company and ask an arborist come out for a consult. An arborist can hear what you would like to do and propose the best process to support your tree's health. https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/pruning-trees-shrubs/#timing

If I'm not to worried about what it looks like could I cut the branches off before winter?  The issue is the previous owner planted this tree between two driveways.  There is only 30 ft between the two driveways and the tree is already 40 ft wide.  And I expect it to get another 40 feet as it gets older.

Thanks, Jim

As mentioned previously, there are ideal times for pruning. Pruning outside of these timeframes can stress a tree making succeptable to disease, insects and decline. I would consult an arborist prior to removing such a large section of the tree.