Can you use a different tire size for your 96 accord?

Yes. As long as the circumference is the same (which keeps the speedometer and odometer accurate), you can use lots of different sizes. However, the diameter (15 or 16 inches, your case) must stay the same. What size tire do you have now, and why do you want to use a different size? Unless you are technically knowledgeable and have a particular reason you want to change the size, it's best to stick with the same size the factory installed when your car was new.